Dhaka Youth Could Earn a Master’s Degree with Their Facebook Time Every Year

Young people in Dhaka spend so much time on Facebook and other social media that they could complete a master’s degree if they used those hours for studying. Many are online 5 to 8 hours daily, enough time to finish a full degree program. This raises questions about how Bangladesh’s youth can better use their time.

Dhaka has become the Facebook capital of the world. In February 2025, DataReportal reported that advertisements on Facebook reached about 2.99 crore users within Dhaka city limits. This means the capital now holds the largest Facebook audience among all global cities, surpassing megacities like Delhi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bangkok.

Across Bangladesh, there are more than 45 million active social media users. Most of them are under the age of 35, and for many, opening Facebook or TikTok has become the first and last thing they do each day.

Social media is more than just fun. It shapes how people think, act, and see themselves. But it also takes up a lot of time. A 2025 study by the Bangladesh Institute of ICT in Development (BIID) found that teenagers and young adults spend 5 to 8 hours daily on social media.

That adds up to 1,825 to 2,920 hours a year. Teachers and experts say this causes problems like poor sleep, trouble focusing, and mood swings, which affect young people’s health and studies.

The numbers make you wonder: Could this time be used to earn a master’s degree? In theory, yes, the hours spent scrolling could cover the study time needed for a degree.

How Long Does a Master’s Degree Take?
In Bangladesh, a master’s degree usually takes 1 to 2 years. Public universities like Dhaka University or Rajshahi University offer one-year programs after a four-year bachelor’s degree. These need 36 to 40 credits.

Private universities like BRAC, North South University (NSU), or East West University have similar rules. Each credit means about 25 to 30 hours of work, including classes, assignments, projects, exams, and self-study. So, a 36-credit program takes around 1,000 to 1,200 hours.

Professional programs such as the MBA or MPH are heavier. They usually require 48 to 60 credit hours. That brings the workload to around 1,500 to 1,800 hours. Some medical or public health programs go even higher, close to 70 credits, which means more than 2,000 hours of combined classroom and study time.

In simple terms, most master’s students spend around two to four hours daily on classes, assignments, and reading if they want to finish on time. This includes time in class as well as time spent studying at home. This hour count also applies to other International Master’s degrees.

Social Media Time vs. Study Time
Young people in Bangladesh spend 5 to 8 hours daily on social media, totaling 1,825 to 2,920 hours a year. That’s more than enough to complete most master’s programs. Even a tough degree like an MBA could fit into this time if used well.

For example, cutting social media from 6 hours to 2 hours a day saves 4 hours daily. In a year, that’s about 1,400 hours, enough for a one-year master’s degree.

Even small changes help. Reducing social media by 1 hour a day gives 365 hours a year. In 2 to 3 years, that’s enough for a part-time or evening master’s program.

The problem isn’t lack of time but how it’s used. Professor Muhammad Mujibur Rahman of the Institute of Education and Research (IER), University of Dhaka, told The Daily Campus that young people in Bangladesh often start using devices and social media without any preparation or awareness.

“We begin using tools like Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram without understanding their psychological, social, or cultural effects. Children are given phones and computers with no guidance, so they end up spending hours online without purpose,” he said.

According to him, this excessive use is already affecting how students eat, sleep, and study, creating a clear negative impact on their academic performance.

The hours are there, just spent on social media instead of studying.

Why It’s Not Easy
Turning social media time into study time is hard. People use social media in small moments, like while waiting for a bus, eating lunch, or before bed. Studying needs focus, a quiet place, and a proper schedule, which isn’t always possible.

University programs follow set timetables. Classes, exams, and assignments are spread over months, so you can’t just study all at once. Even quick learners must follow the schedule.

After a long day of work or classes, it’s easy to pick up the phone for a quick break. Studying or doing assignments takes effort and willpower. Many plan to study but end up scrolling instead.

While the numbers show it’s possible, real life makes it challenging. Professor Rahman believes the solution lies in moderation and education.

“Families and schools must teach when and how to use social media, not just allow it freely. Setting clear time limits and teaching balance could turn it from a distraction into a tool,” he explained.

He suggested that students should also learn to use these platforms to improve their skills or explore interests that could support their future careers. “If they used social media to learn, practice, or even earn, that same time could become productive and empowering,” he said.

Talking to The Daily Campus, Sanchary Prativa, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, said young people now turn to Facebook as the easiest source of both news and entertainment. “People no longer feel the need to read newspapers — everything is on their phone. One reel leads to another, and before they realize it, hours have passed,” she said.

She observed that such constant exposure often makes young people restless and anxious. “Excessive use of social media weakens focus and increases anxiety. Seeing others’ achievements online can also trigger stress and feelings of inferiority,” she explained.

As for solutions, she recommended setting limits on mobile use, turning off notifications, or using social media control apps. “And if it starts to feel addictive, seeking counselling can help,” she added.

Dr. Md. Abdus Salam, a professor at the Institute of Education and Research (IER), University of Dhaka, provides empirical evidence of these challenges. “A study at Haji Muhammad Muhsin Hall at Dhaka University found over 90% of students use Facebook, negatively impacting their academic performance and sleep due to scrolling until the Fajr prayer. Students rarely use educational technologies or read beyond class notes, affecting all universities,” he said.

How to Make It Work
Experts suggest starting small. Don’t try to stop using social media completely. Use apps to limit screen time or turn off notifications. Cutting 1 to 2 hours daily can free up time for studying.

Universities can help by offering online classes, weekend programs, or evening courses that fit busy schedules. High time Bangladeshi universities adopt hybrid models, seamlessly blending assignments, distance learning, and in-person classes to modernize education. Many places like BRAC or NSU now have these options, especially since online learning grew during the pandemic.

Dr. Md. Abdus Salam, emphasizes systemic solutions. “A 2017 European report noted that in South Asia, the internet is often misused for social media, yet it offers excellent uses like distance learning for advanced education. The government has ignored this issue, and our ICT policy fails to support online learning. During COVID-19, Dhaka University’s online education was discontinued, and our administration’s failure to advance our Learning Management System limits us to face-to-face teaching. Assignment-based or innovative learning modules tailored for Bangladeshi students could better engage them in education. In the West, Lamar University has conducted research with 1,100 students through distance learning. They stated that the module is efficient & I believe the European research institute’s findings are true,” he said. 

A simple plan could be: cut 3 hours of social media daily, use 2 hours for studying, and keep 1 hour for rest or light reading. This gives about 700 study hours a year. In two years, that’s 1,400 hours, enough for most master’s degrees. Sticking to it matters more than being perfect.

“We need an integrated and age-appropriate policy for students,” Professor Rahman added. “Bangladesh already has an ICT policy, but it cannot simply be imposed. Guidelines should be designed for different student levels and monitored by educational institutions.”

He also noted that integrating social media with formal education could make a real difference. “If formal learning and digital platforms were connected, students could gain new skills, learn languages, and prepare for the future within the same ecosystem.”

The Bigger Picture

Cutting back on social media helps in other ways. Studies show less time online improves mood, focus, and sleep. This can help students and young workers do better in school and jobs.

The time could also be used to learn a new language, gain skills like coding, or start a small business. It’s about using time for something valuable.

This idea shows a bigger truth: Bangladesh’s youth have plenty of time but need to focus it better. Everyone gets 24 hours a day. How those hours are used decides who moves forward.

If Dhaka’s youth spend over 2,000 hours a year online, redirecting some of that time could change their lives. It could also make Bangladesh’s workforce stronger.

In a city where nearly 30 million people use Facebook daily, the challenge isn’t getting online but using that connection to learn and grow. Bangladesh has the energy, tools, and ambition. Now, it’s about choosing to use time differently. A master’s degree could be just a few focused steps away.