THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN.

ABSTRACT

This study examined the relationship between social media usage and academic performance among students at the University of Benin. With the pervasive influence of social media platforms in contemporary society, understanding their effects on academic pursuits becomes imperative. In carrying out this research study, primary and secondary sources of data collection were employed, while chi-square and simple percentages were used to analyze the data collected through the administration of questionnaires from a sample of University of Benin students. Also, in carrying out the research, four research questions were adopted and two hypotheses were formulated. Analysis revealed that while social media offers numerous benefits, such as facilitating communication and information sharing, excessive usage can lead to distractions, reduced study time, and poor academic performance. Factors such as frequency of use, types of activities engaged in, and self-regulation strategies were found to influence the impact of social media on academic performance. The findings underscore the need for promoting digital literacy and self-regulation skills among students to mitigate the negative effects of social media on their academic endeavors. It is recommended that establishing clear boundaries and promoting digital literacy will help educators and students foster a balance between social media usage and academic performance.