How Hong Kong students' media habits shape their work skills

A recent study looked at how Hong Kong university students split their time between different media platforms and how this affects their workplace readiness. Researchers surveyed 363 students from six universities between October and December 2024. They tracked weekly hours spent on six media types—newspapers, online news, TV, social media, creator videos, and discussion forums—and linked these patterns to three key skills: soft skills for work, learning habits, and career planning. The data shows a clear pattern. Students who spent time reading newspapers or using social media with clear goals scored higher on work-readiness tests. These media types often require focus, critical thinking, and depth of content. On the flip side, students who mainly watched creator videos or scrolled through forums for fun scored lower. These platforms usually prioritize quick entertainment over thoughtful engagement.This suggests that not just how much time students spend with media matters, but what they actually do with that time. Structured media that challenge the mind seem to help build stronger workplace skills. Meanwhile, passive or chaotic media use might slow down skill development. The study hints that schools and families could guide students toward more productive media habits. Simple changes—like choosing news over viral videos—might make a real difference in how ready young people feel for their careers.