Influence of Social Media Usage on Students Academic Performance in Social Studies in UEE Akamkpa, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated effect of social media on the academic performance of Social Studies students of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa, Cross River State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Population consisted of 453 Social Studies students of the University and stratified sampling method was employed to obtain a representative sample of 120 across levels of NCE and Degree Programmes of the study. The study was guided by four research questions and four hypotheses. Data were gathered using a structured 20-item four-point Likert scale questionnaire named Social Media and Academic Performance of Social Studies Students (SMAPSSS). Statistical analysis was conducted at the 0.05 level of significance, the instrument was validated, and responses were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation, independent samples t-test, regression analyses. The results demonstrated a significant inverse relationship (𝑟 = −0.46 ) between social media engagement and students’ academic performance. Frequency and duration of social media usage were found to exert a significant negative influence on academic performance. In addition, a statistically significant difference in the academic grades of students who used social media for academic purposes and those who used it more for social or entertainment purposes was also found, with higher performance being achieved by students who predominantly use social media to study (𝑡𝐶𝑎𝑙 = 6.48,𝑡𝑡𝑎𝑏 = ±1.96, 𝑝 (0.000) < 0.05). The study also established that challenges associated with social media usage significantly and negatively affected students’ academic performance. Based on these findings, the study concluded that while social media has academic benefits when appropriately utilized, excessive and non-academic use undermines students’ academic performance. It was therefore recommended that students be guided on effective and purposeful use of social media for learning, and that the University implement awareness programmes to promote responsible social media usage among undergraduates