Analysis of Usage and Influence of Social Media on Academic Performance of University Students
Keywords:
Social Media, Activities, Academic Performance, University studentsAbstract
The study analyzed social media usage among University undergraduate students and the perceived influence on their academic performance using descriptive survey research design. Participants of the study consist of 280 undergraduate students from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State and Abia state University, Uturu selected using stratified simple random sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire validated by three experts. Its reliability was established using Cronbach Alpha for internal consistency of the items and the reliability index of the entire instrument is .83. Result of data analysis done using frequency counts, mean and percentages indicate that the social media networks mostly used by students are WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram, among others. The study also reveals that a greater percentage of the students spend six or more hours daily on social media on both academic and nonacademic activities. It was concluded that students’ level of engagement in social media activities is high with social media having both positive and negative influence on their academic activities. However, the negative influence is greater than the positive. The research recommends that lecturers should redirect many of their teaching activities through social media to ensure positive utilization. The study also recommends enlightenment and counselling sessions for students on the right use of the social media platforms.