Use of Social Networking Sites and Academic Performance among Students of Selected Tertiary Institutions in Kogi State

Abstract

This study assessed the use of Social Networking Sites and Academic Performance among Students of Tertiary Institutions in Kogi State with a focus on Facebook, by looking into the specific use of facebook among students of some selected higher institutions in Kogi state (KSU, FPI and FCE; its level of usage; and also to identify the possible effects of facebook on their academic performance. Anchored on uses and gratifications theory, the study employed survey research method and relied on questionnaires as instrument for the collection of primary data. A sample of 384 students was selected from the students’ total population of 23,474 using fitcher formula. Through multi-stage sampling technique, the questionnaire was proportionately administered in each of the schools on the randomly selected students. The data were quantitatively analyzed using tables showing frequencies and simple percentages. Results revealed amongst other things that, Students use facebook primarily to escape from boredom, for communication; make new friends; update status; chats; post/comment on photos; and admonition among others. Finding also reveals that majority of the students hardly ever visit the site during class period, studying hours or miss classes because of facebook; that facebook usage does not have negative effect on the students’ academic performance (except on their spoken and written communication). The study concludes that the utilization of social media by students of tertiary institutions in Kogi state portends both beneficial results of the uses and gratifications highlighted in this study which show that facebook has a significant positive influence on, and limited danger to, the academic performance of students and recommends among other things that students should be encouraged to adequately utilize the potentials of facebook for academic excellence and also that, lecturers should look out for and completely discourage the use of facebook and other social networking sites gadgets during classes.