Digital Communities as Informal Support Systems for Postgraduate Students: Insights from the University of Ghana

Abstract

This study explored how students’ experiences within social media-based digital communities support postgraduate students at the University of Ghana, where academic pressure and social isolation are common. Through semi-structured interviews with 18 students active on WhatsApp, Telegram, and LinkedIn, the research found that these platforms offer academic, informational, technical, and emotional support via resource sharing, collaborative problem-solving, networking, and peer encouragement. Participants reported improved research engagement, skill development, and reduced loneliness, particularly in relation to thesis writing, proposals, exams, and academic networking. Although limited to one institution and focused mainly on research-related activities, the findings highlight the value of low-cost, accessible digital peer networks in resource-constrained settings. The study contributes to Open and Distance Learning (ODL) by demonstrating how such communities can enhance learner retention, connectedness, and well-being, offering practical insights for strengthening informal support systems in higher education beyond the Ghanaian context.