Usage and influence of social media among library and information science undergraduates in Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the usage and influence of social media among library and information science undergraduates in Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. The population for the study was 520 undergraduates. A self-designed instrument entitled: “Social Media Usage and Influence Questionnaire (SMUIQ)” was used for data collection. The results showed that WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube were the most used social media platforms by the students. The undergraduates used social media for socialisation, information and academic purposes. Internet addiction, distraction, anti-social behaviour and cyber bullying were the influence of social media on the undergraduates. The study recommended among others that lecturers should adopt online learning by giving assignments on social media platforms. This will help to instil the habit of using these media platforms for academic work by the undergraduates. Also, University authorities should organize seminars to enlighten students on the negative aspects of social media sites.