Effects of Social Media on Students of American University of Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue V, May 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Effects of Social Media on Students of American University of Nigeria

Achoda, Nicholas Achoda, Steve Wordu (PhD)

Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Abstract: – This research paper looks at the effects of social media on students of American University of Nigeria. The study area is the American University of Nigeria located in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The study structured a questionnaire to extract information from respondents which consisted of selected students. A total of 100 questionnaires were distributed and 80 of these questionnaires were retrieved. This number forms the crust of findings for this study; the 80 questionnaires retrieved and the interpretation of results therein, can be considered a justifiable sample size considering the fact that the university has a total of less than one thousand students. The simple percentage was used to analyze the research questions. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study and systematic random sampling was used to select the population sample. Findings revealed that social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram are highly used by students of American University of Nigeria. The study also revealed that over 99% of the students owned mobile phones with internet facilities and have a good knowledge of the use of social media. The phone brands used by the students include Apple (iPhone), Samsung, Nokia and Huawei. Findings from the research revealed that social media use can have a negative effect on students, as well as hamper their academic performance. Nevertheless, social media also plays an important role in the lives of students as it provides a convenient medium for information dissemination, research and instant communication. The study recommends that students should minimize the time they spend on social media. Moderation is key. Excessive use of social media can result in mental issues, anxiety, decreased self-esteem, poor academic performance and depression.

Keywords: Academic Performance, Effects, Internet, Online, Social Media, Students, Website.

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Background to the Study

The 21st century is known as the age of technological advancement. One of the most prominent technological innovation that is dominant in virtually every part of the world is the mobile phone. The mobile phone is a device used for communication of information among people across different parts of the globe. Young people between the ages of 15 to 35 years and adults aged 39 to 70 years old and above, form the major group of persons with ownership of mobile phones with internet connection facilities today. The age group of persons from 80 years and above own phones but use the devices basically for making and receiving calls (Chatfield, 2109).

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