FACEBOOK USE AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: A STUDY ON THE STUDENTS OF KHULNA UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Facebook is the well-liked and most-used social networking site among students nowadays. This paper aims to observe the impact of Facebook use on students’ academic performance. The data were collected from undergraduate and master's level students of Khulna University by applying a random sampling procedure. Facebook use was measured in hours and academic performance in CGPA. The average time of Facebook use was almost double of the average study hours of the students per day. Two separate econometric models were run in this study to attain the study goals. An OLS regression model tried to identify the determinants of Facebook use, and a Tobit regression model attempted to determine the factors that affect students’ academic performance. This study identified current residence, hometown, participation in co-curricular activities, relationship status, study hours, parent’s Facebook use, and use of other social networking sites as the significant determinants of Facebook use. On the other hand, hours of study, class participation, time of Facebook use, Facebook use in the class, and following course materials were statistically significant factors that affected students’ academic performance. This study identified a significant negative impact of Facebook use on students’ academic performance. Participation in co-curricular activities and increased study hours are some suggestions derived from this study for controlling Facebook use. Allowing more time for study, following course materials, reducing Facebook use time and class participation are recommended by this study to improve academic performance.