Influence of Social Networking Sites on Lifestyles, Acculturation and Self-Esteem of University Students in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This  study investigates the effect of Social Networking Sites on Lifestyles, Acculturation and Self-Esteem  of University Students Ondo State, Nigeria. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire. A sample of 250 students was randomly selected from all the 5 faculties of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. The result and discussion of the study indicated that students’ social lives are being affected by the usage of Social Networking Sites because online social networking has deeply penetrated university campuses, influencing multiple aspects of student life including their lifestyles, acculturation and self-esteem. The study further revealed that the utilization of Social Networking Sites by students both have positive and negative effects on them. Based on the result of the findings, it was recommended that students should use their knowledge about their environment’s attributes to nurture and maintain their integrity and commitment to the university in order to develop new skills to participate and stay safe in the new digital environment. Students should view the  Social Networking Sites as an educational tool that  help them to reach desired university outcomes so that their online  integrity and commitment with peers can lead them to greater satisfaction with university life.

Keywords: Acculturation, Educational Outcomes, Social Acceptance, Socialization, Students’ Satisfaction, Self-Esteem, Interpersonal Relationship, Online Risk, Web 2.0.