Social Network Services Use, Academic Self-Efficacy and Students Academic Performance in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

Abstract

Currently there is an increase in the use of the internet; especially social network services applications, among students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria. This is as a result of easy access to computers and the internet on campuses. This of course, facilitates easy communication and dissemination of information among the students. But on the other hand, it has brought new risks and negative impact specifically as it relates to its addiction among students and its negative impacts on their academic performance. This study aimed at investigating whether academic self-efficacy and the use of Social Network Services (SNS) applications on the internet can affect student’s academic performance, through the use of Grade Point Average (GPA) system. A total number of 397 students from various higher institutions in Nigeria were made to complete a questionnaire package that includes, the Social Network service use scale, academic self-efficacy scale, academic performance scale and a demographic profile of participant form, which were all used as scaling instruments. The data collected were analyzed with the help of Pearson’s correlation co-efficient, Chi-square test of independency, ANOVA and MANOVA. The result shows a significant negative correlation and interraction effect between student’s social network services use and their academic performances. Likewise, Academic self-efficacy was discovered to be a significant factor in determine student’s academic performance. However, the level of academic performance did not differ in term of sex or ownership of computer or smart phone. The findings of the study are discussed in the light of related literatures and recommendations are made for further studies.