THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF 400LEVEL EDUCATION STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

Abstract

This study investigated the Impact of social media on the academic performance of 400level education students of University Of  Benin. The study aimed at finding out  what effect social networks have on their users, in particular, how the use of social networks affects the academic success of students. Number of hours spent on social media activities, nature of activities and gender influence were identified to have impact on the academic performance of students. To guide the study, four research questions were raised.

This study employed the survey research design. The population of this study comprises 400level education students in the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Technology. Eighty (80) students formed the sample size. The instrument used for this study was a questionnaire titled 'The impact of social media on the academic performance of 400level education students of the University of Benin'. Data obtained from the instrument was analyzed using frequency counts and percentage.

Findings of the research showed that time spent on social media activities impact students’ academic work negatively. The study revealed that that nature of activities on social media impact students’ academic performance. The study also revealed that there a correlation between time spent on social media and students’ academic performance. In addition, the study also revealed that Students’ gender influence the habit of social media usage. Based on these findings and conclusions, it was recommended that School counselors should be able to educate students on the negative and positive influence of Social media on their academic performance. Through counseling intervention programs students should be able to understand themselves better and how to manage their study time and prevent distractions from social media. Social Networking Sites should be expanded and new pages created to enhance academic activities and avoid setbacks in the students’ academic performance.students themselves must realize all the potential harm from excessive use of social networks, and responsibly approach the learning process and academic results.