IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the impact of social media on secondary school students’ academic performance; a case study of some selected secondary schools in Benin City Metropolis. The study was anchored on Social Constructivism. As regards the survey, the population of the study consists of all senior secondary school students in Benin City metropolis, Edo State. Four (4) senior secondary schools were randomly selected and 200 respondents constituted the final sample size, which was selected through simple random sampling and data was analyzed in simple percentage and presented in tables. The study revealed that there is a significantly high level of awareness on the impact of social media among the respondents as it has made it easy for them to interact with their classmates and teachers whenever they are not in school. Also, it gives room for interactive discussions and social development. All these and more have both positive and negative impact on student’s academic performance. The study therefore recommends that Students should also be advised on the use of social media sites especially during examinations because Social media sites are most times addictive, if it is utilized effectively it will better improve their academic performance. Also, a form of check and balance on the use of social media sites by students should be employed by both parents and teachers as the increased desire for social media is deeply getting high in this age. A form of balance between the use of social media and academics should be established.