Social Media Impact on Students' Academic Development. A Study of Unizik Students

Abstract : This study investigates the impact of social media on the academic development of undergraduate students at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka. The primary objective is to assess how students utilize social media for academic purposes, identify the most commonly used platforms, examine its effects on academic performance, and determine the factors that hinder effective academic use of social media. Grounded in Social Learning Theory, which emphasizes learning through observation and interaction, the research aims to explore how social media can be harnessed as a tool for academic support and growth. A quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing a survey method to collect data from 300 undergraduate students. This sample size was determined using the Comrey and Lee (1992) method. The survey focused on students’ social media usage patterns and their perceived impact on academic performance. The findings revealed that all respondents actively engage with social media, with WhatsApp and Facebook emerging as the most preferred platforms for academic activities. Contrary to many prior studies that suggested a negative impact, 5% of students in this study reported a positive influence of social media on their academic performance. Many students use social media to access supplementary academic resources, complementing their classroom learning. However, challenges such as poor internet connectivity, distractions, and difficulty in locating relevant academic content were identified as barriers to effective use. Despite these challenges, students generally view social media as a valuable academic tool. The study recommends that students focus on academic content while using social media, limit time spent on non-educational activities, and that educators increase the availability of academic resources on these platforms. These strategies aim to balance the academic benefits of social media with its potential distractions, maximizing its positive impact. The study underscores the dual nature of social media, calling for a balanced and focused approach by both students and educators to enhance its academic value.