Social Media and Academic Performance: A Survey Research of Senior Secondary School Students in Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the effect of social media (SM) on the academic performance (AP) of senior secondary school (SSS) students in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Four objectives served as the study’s guiding principles, and these were followed by research questions and hypotheses. A descriptive survey research design was used for the investigation. Using a simple random sampling technique, 200 students were selected as a sample from four SSSs in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A four-point Likert scale survey was used to poll the participants. The study questions were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages, whereas the null hypotheses were tested using chi-square, t-test, and Pearson product-moment correlation. Findings revealed that a large percentage of students are addicted to SM, with no significant differences in usage between boys and girls. It was also found that there is a link between SM addiction and a student's AP. In order to prevent students from falling behind academically, it is suggested that SM be used for educational purposes, that social networking sites (SNSs) be launched with new pages developed to effect academic activities, and that teachers and parents monitor students’ use of these sites. This is recommended in an effort to balance students’ SM usage and their academic goals. The study will aid students in learning more about the impact of SM and networking sites on their AP. It will also provide students with useful information for research and studies, as well as objective perspectives and a sense of balance. Significantly, the study will assist parents in becoming more aware of the potential influence and effect of SM on their children.