Social Media And Academic Performance Of Students

The purpose of this research study is to examine the influence of social media on the academic performance of students at the University of Lagos. This study is guided by five research questions and five research hypotheses. To achieve this goal, a descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study focuses on the University of Lagos, where the population consists of all 24,661 full-time undergraduate students. Using a simple random sampling technique, a sample of 378 students was selected. Data was collected using a four-point Likert Type Rating Scale Questionnaire titled “Social Media and Academic Performance of Students Questionnaire” (SMAAPOS). Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages were used to analyze demographic data, while inferential statistics, specifically the Chi-square (x2) test, was employed to test the research hypotheses.

Research findings revealed that a significant number of students at the University of Lagos are addicted to social media. Consequently, the researcher recommended that social media should also be leveraged for educational purposes. It was suggested that social networking sites should be expanded and new pages created to enhance academic activities and mitigate any potential negative impact on students’ academic performance. Additionally, teachers and parents should monitor students’ use of these sites to ensure a balance between social media engagement and academic responsibilities, thereby preventing academic setbacks.

The descriptive survey research design was chosen for this study due to its effectiveness in gathering detailed information from a large population. With the focus on the University of Lagos, the target population included all 24,661 full-time undergraduate students. From this population, 378 students were selected using a simple random sampling technique, ensuring that the sample was representative of the broader student body. Data collection was facilitated through the Social Media and Academic Performance of Students Questionnaire (SMAAPOS), which used a four-point Likert Type Rating Scale to gather responses. The use of descriptive statistics, including frequency counts and percentages, allowed for a comprehensive analysis of the demographic data, while inferential statistics, specifically the Chi-square (x2) test, provided a robust method for testing the research hypotheses.

Findings from the study indicated a high level of social media addiction among students at the University of Lagos. This addiction was identified as a significant factor influencing their academic performance. To address this issue, the researcher recommended integrating social media into educational activities. This integration could involve expanding existing social networking sites and creating new pages dedicated to academic content, thereby enhancing students’ academic experiences. Furthermore, it was emphasized that both teachers and parents should actively monitor how students use social media to ensure that their online activities do not hinder their academic progress.