ABSTRACT 

This study explored the influence of social media on the nutritional wellbeing of University of Benin students in Nigeria, emphasizing usage patterns, content impact, and educational effectiveness, employing a descriptive survey design, data were gathered from 122 respondents. The research aimed to understand social media's role in delivering educational content on healthy eating and engaging students through interactive features like Q&A sessions and polls.

The research instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire designed by the researcher. The instrument was titled “The Effect of Social Media on the Nutritional Wellbeing of University Students". The questionnaire was segmented into (A and B). Section A measured the demographic variables of each respondents such as gender, level of study and so on while section B comprised 25 item statement which was drawn up from the research questions. To establish the validity of the instrument, the instrument was validated by the researcher’s supervisor and two experts from the Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin City. The reliability coefficient of the instrument used was obtained by measuring the internal consistency of the items which was carried out using Cronbach alpha Statistics. This instrument was administered to 30 university students who were not part of the study population and the coefficient of 0.8 was obtained to indicate that the instrument was reliable. The data collected from the respondents were analyzed using mean (x̄), standard deviation (SD) and a mean score.

The findings indicate that respondents generally perceive social media as effective for delivering specific educational content on healthy eating. However, there is consensus among participants that its effectiveness in addressing broader dietary habits is limited. Moreover, the study underscores the positive impact of influencers and health professionals in disseminating nutritional information via social media platforms, influencing students' food choices positively. Interestingly, respondents disagreed with the notion that traditional educational methods are more effective than social media in reaching university students regarding healthy eating habits. This challenges the dominance of traditional approaches and suggests a growing role for digital platforms in educational strategies. Based on the findings, the study concluded that while social media can effectively deliver educational content and engage students through interactive features, its limitations in addressing comprehensive dietary habits warrant consideration. The integration of credible sources and interactive features into social media initiatives is recommended to enhance educational outcomes. Furthermore, continuous evaluation of social media interventions is advised to assess their effectiveness in promoting healthy eating habits among university students and to adapt strategies based on feedback.