The impact of social media on the learning process of higher education students in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, has become a focal point of interest due to social media’s pervasive influence on various aspects of daily life. While numerous studies have explored the impact of social media on education, limited research specifically addresses the experiences of higher education students in Kota Kinabalu. This region’s unique cultural and academic contexts present distinct obstacles and opportunities that differ from more widespread studies. This study aims to bridge this gap by offering targeted insights into how social media impacts learning in this specific demographic and geographic location. This research focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities that students in Kota Kinabalu face utilizing social media for academic purposes. These challenges include navigating cultural norms around social media, balancing academic demands with social media distractions, and accessing reliable information in a digital environment that can be saturated with misinformation. The outcomes of this research are expected to offer tailored recommendations for educators and policymakers in Kota Kinabalu, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the subject at the local level.