Perceptions of Hearing-impaired Students on the Role of Social Media for their Inclusion into Mainstream Society

   Purpose: The students with hearing impairment have the facility to use Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Twitter for their interaction with mainstream society. This study investigated the social media practices of students with hearing impairment studying at the college and university levels for their social inclusion in mainstream society. Design/Methodology/Approach  A cross-section survey design was followed to gather data. The population of the research was hearing-impaired students enrolled in graduation in Lahore city. A sample of 85 students with hearing impairment was selected through a non-probability sampling technique.  A structured questionnaire was developed and got validated by establishing validity with the help of relevant experts. Reliably was .81 estimated through Cronbach alpha. Findings: The inferential statistical analysis shows no difference in the social media practices on the basis of gender and level/degree of hearing loss, social media has added great value in integrating SWHI within mainstream society, but students are still unaware of using this platform for their broader social networking and academic inclusion globally.  Implications/Originality/Value: The study will add in the existing body of the knowledge and will guide the students to use social media for inclusion in all segments of mainstream society in a better way.