IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

A STUDY OF STUDENTS OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, UGEP, CROSS RIVER STATE

Abstract

This study examines the impact of social media on the academic performance of students of Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, Cross River state. Social media is an off-spring of the new media. However, the development in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Internet in Nigeria has led to the invention of other new media channels that brought tremendous improvement in the communication system. These media tools also enhance learning amongst students. The researchers used survey method of scientific inquiry; using students of all the seven (7) schools of the institution of study which formed the population. Questionnaires were administered to some randomly selected students of the same school giving a 91.2% response rate. Taro Yamane’s formula was adopted to determine the sample size which was calculated to be 384.The data collected from the respondents were later presented using simple percentages and tables. Hypotheses were tested using Z-test. The findings reveal that students’ exposure to internet and social media platforms enabled them learn communication skills, connect to their teachers for learning, discussion and sharing of information with their peers. The study also found out that social media impacted positively on their academic performance hence they generate ideas and concepts related to their studies. The study concludes that the academic performance of students under study were positively influenced due to their regular online contacts. The study therefore recommends expansion of the social networking sites and enlightenment of students on the appropriate use of social media sites.