Impact of Social Media Use on Academic Performance of Students’: The Case of Regular 3rd & 5th Year Law Students’ in Oromia State University, Ethiopia

Abstract

This action research identified and addressed negative impacts of social media use on 3^rd & 5^th year regular law students’ academic performance in the school of law, Oromia State University. This action research used a mixed approach, which means quantitative and qualitative research approach. To support the research, information relevant to the action research were gathered from both primary and secondary data. Primary data collected from the law students’ of the study area, thirty law students’.  Secondary data collected from previous studies, literatures, documents, books, and electronic materials related to the study. The instruments for data collection are interview, observation (participatory), review of previous studies and analysis. Quantitative data analyzed by using descriptive statistical methods such as summation, averages, and percentages. The qualitative data analyzed and interpreted thematically against the research questions. Before action taken by the researcher law students’ of the study area mainly use social media like face book to communicate with friends, to post their photos, and for entertainment. They use Tik Tok to watch videos mainly for entertainment. They also use you tube for entertainment. They invest a short time for academic purpose in social media. After the series follow up law students were able to use social media for academic objectives, as opposed to merely for entertainment or social interaction. In addition the follow-up proofed progressive development of behavior of law students from using social media for entertainment, conversation, and enjoyment to using it for academic purposes.

Keywords: Academic objective, Impact, Social Media, Law Students’

DOI: 10.7176/NMMC/108-04

Publication date:August 31^st 2025