Abstract
This research utilized theory uses and gratifications for discussing students’ behavior in taking advantages of social media. Respondents came from 3 public universities in the city of Padang. The data collection method was done by distributing questionnaires and interviews, then, the data analyzed statistically. The results concluded that 97% of students claimed as social media active users. Based on the type of the application, the messenger/ chat app. was more preferable then the social networks. WhatsApp is the most application used. As many as 96% of respondents claimed using it. Whereas Facebook, the most preferable application uses throughout the world, is only used by 36% of respondents. A large number of WhatsApp users is in line with their goals and benefits use this content. The majority (87%) of respondents use social media as a tool of communication, in addition to information retrieval, and social interaction.