Psychosocial Variables and Social Networking among Senior Secondary School Students in Obingwa Local Government Area, Abia State

Abstract

This study examined the influence of psychosocial variables on social networking among senior secondary school students in Obingwa Local Government Area (LGA) in Aba educational zone of Abia State. Two research questions were posed and two hypotheses formulated to guide the study. The study employed descriptive survey design. The population of the study consist of senior secondary school students in Obingwa LGA within 2017/2018 academic year. The respondents were drawn from five schools out of 17 existing schools using the stratified random sampling technique. Questionnaires was use for data collection. The instrument was validated by two experts in measurement and Evaluation, and educational psychology. Two research questions were answered with descriptive statistics and the hypotheses were tested at .05 level of significantly. Results of the study indicated that self-esteem and family type do not significantly influence social networking among students. While self-actualization significantly influences social networking among senior secondary school students in Obingwa LGA. Based on findings, it was recommended that stakeholders in education should collaboratively develop ways to capitalized on social network technologies in education system while ensuring effective safeguards are in place.