Assessing the Effects of Social Media on Academic Performance of Female Students at Raya University, Ethiopia

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of social media on academic performance of female students at Raya University, Ethiopia. It is unclear whether social media use affects positively or negatively the academic performance of female students. The study used mixed research methodologies and it was based on a descriptive research design. The study targeted second year female students from five colleges registered at the university in academic calendar of 2010/2011. 132 female students were selected trough a proportional stratified sampling technique based on their Grade point Average by categorizing (1.75-2:00, 2.00-3.00 and 3.00-4.00). The researcher employed both primary and secondary sources and data was collected using questionnaires. The qualitative data was analyzed and interpreted qualitatively using words whereas the quantitative data was analyzed and interpreted through the Excel computer application packages. The results of the study indicated that female students who often accessed social media for academic purpose had higher grade point averages than those who used social media for not academic issues. The study concluded that despite the benefits that female students can harness from social media, there is to some extent addiction and distraction of attention caused by the use of social media which could have serious consequences on the academic life of these students. The researcher therefore recommended that female students of the university should access social media for academic purpose and limit the time they spent on social media site. Keywords: Social Media, Academic Performance, Effects, Students, Raya University DOI : 10.7176/NMMC/83-01 Publication date :September 30 th 2019