Effects of Social Media Usage on Student Academic Performance of University Students

Abstract

This quantitative research study, involving 200 university students, investigates the impact of social media usage on academic performance and various aspects of students' lives. Social media's increasing popularity for interpersonal communication globally is acknowledged, particularly within the educational context where students engage and share knowledge. The study explores factors such as the daily and nightly time spent on social networking sites, reasons for social media use, bedtime habits, and the disruptive influence of social media on educational and learning activities. Findings reveal that social media usage significantly impacts students' academic success, with potential benefits and drawbacks. The study focuses on uneducated rural Pakistanis, with 200 participants, including 100 males and 100 females, representing various academic disciplines. Notably, non-users of social media tend to sleep more than users, and the study highlights a correlation between social media usage and compromised family and personal time. The research underscores the negative effects of social media on education, citing issues such as daydreaming, procrastination, and reduced study time. The study also reveals a strong correlation between academics, family, and social media usage, supported by regression analysis. Interestingly, despite potential drawbacks, Pearson's Correlation indicates that social media can improve academic performance by facilitating networking and information exchange. Overall, the study sheds light on the complex relationship between social media usage, academic success, and various aspects of students' lives.