International Journal of Education and Development using ICT

International Journal of Education and Development using ICT > Vol. 15, No. 3 (2019)

Social Media: Usage and Influence on Undergraduate Studies

'Tayo S. Subair, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Solomon Temitope ADEBOLA, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Deborah Oreoluwa YAHYA, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract
The study examined social media usage among undergraduates vis-à-vis its influence on their studies. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. Population for the study comprised all undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ile, Nigeria. Five faculties were randomly selected, from which 850 students were selected using convenience sampling technique. A self-designed instrument titled “Social Media Usage and influence Questionnaire (SMUI-Q)” was used for data collection. The results showed social media platforms used by undergraduates to include: WhatsApp ((97%), Facebook (85%), Instagram (65%), YouTube (62%), Twitter (25%), LinkedIn (21%), Google Plus (15%), Snapchat (10%) and Skype (7%). The results showed that undergraduates spend an average of 2-3 hours daily on social media platforms. The results further showed undergraduates perceived purpose of social media usage to include: socialisation (83%), information (74%) academic (73%), business (68%) and entertainment (61%). The results also showed internet addiction (45%), distraction (32%), anti-social behaviour (6%), cyber bullying (4%), writing and spelling skills deficiency (24%) as the negative influence of social media on undergraduate studies. The study therefore concluded that majority of the undergraduates use social media for socialisation purpose while some are addicted to its usage; thereby experiencing the negative influence of social media.

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