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1.1       Background of the Study





According to Onah and Nche (2014), defined social media is a group of internet based application that builds on the ideological and technology foundation of the web which allows the creation and exchange of user generated content. They refer to the internet-based social websites like the Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc which allow users to interactively communicate with one another. Social media can also refer to those web-based and mobile-based technologies which are used to turn communication into interactive, dialogue between organizations, communities and individuals. Ictech (2014) Technologies such as smartphones can potentially make users more efficient and productive when they use them in an adventageous manner instead as a distraction. (Sinan, Brynojolfsson, and Alstryne, 2007) Smartphones are no different from desk top and laptop, other than size and computer power. The undergraduate student in this study are also known as, “Net Generation” those born between 1980 and 1989, who are in use of social media technologies. Undergraduates of Ambrose Alli University use the social media, for one reasons or another. It is of concern to know how social media has influenced the academic performance of undergraduates. As it is, social media like two sides of a coin brings with it both negative and positive impact. Undergraduates are expected to make the best use of social media to impact knowledge in a wide range, but some are found misusing it.




1.2       Statement of the Problem                                                                                                    

Since the advent of social media sites in 1990s, it is assumed in some quarters that the academic performance of students is facing a lot of neglect and challenges. There is a deviation, distraction and divided attention between social networking activities and students’ academic work. The idea of social media was to keep this global world more connected, but it has done more than that, it has become the fourth meal of the day. Baran (2010) argues that “technology can be used in ways beneficial and otherwise, technology is a double-edge sword. Its power for good and bad resides in its use”. The time spent on social media is not limited to free time; it impacts on all areas of one’s life. The emergence of social media as a result of advancement in technology and expansion in internet software has raised great concern of social media influence on academic performance of undergraduate students. Asemah, Okpanachi, and Edegoh (2013) argue that students at all levels of learning now have divided attention to studies, as a result of available opportunities to be harnessed from social media for leisure and recreation.

Youth have become fully involved in social networking all the time, therefore it is important to check on the influence of social media on their academic performances. Osharive (2015) observes that the manufacturing and distribution of equally sophisticated cellular phones has complicated the situation. Universities and the society at large are getting worried, notwithstanding, there are strict rules established by various school authorities on the use of these technological gadgets. Some researchers like: Helou and Rahim (2014) have already underscored a lot of importance of using social network by the undergraduate students. Other researchers such as Asemah, Okpanachi, and Edegoh (2013) citing Ndaku (2013) in an attempt to salvage the academic performance at this stage investigated the impact of social media use on academic performance and study of undergraduate students. However, little or no literature abounds on the Influence of social media on academic performance of Undergraduates’ in Ambrose Alli University, access of various social networking sites, use and how it has influenced their academic performance. Furthermore, the study will examine with the keen passion to suggesting recommendations that will guide undergraduates of different universities, University administration and general public on how to utilize social media.

1.3       Objectives of the Study

  1. To find out how often the undergraduate students of Ambrose Alli University go on-line.
  2. To find out the various social media sites the undergraduates in Ambrose Alli University are aware of and use
  • To determine the numbers of hours undergraduates in Ambrose Alli  University spend on social networking activities
  1. To ascertain the use of social media by Ambrose Alli University Undergraduates and how it influences their academic performances.
  2. To determine the reasons for the students’ use of social networking sites.


1.4       Research Questions

  1. How often do undergraduate in Ambrose Alli University go on-line?
  2. What social networking sites do the undergraduates in Ambrose Alli University are aware of and use?
  • How many hours do undergraduates spend on social networking activities?
  1. How has the use of social media by undergraduates in Ambrose Alli University influenced their academic performances?
  2. What are the reasons for which undergraduates in Ambrose Alli University us social networking sites?

1.5       Scope of the Study

The study seeks to unravel the influence of social media on academic performance of undergraduates. The study is focused on 200 to 400 levels, while 100level would be excluded in the participation of the study. In most cases the characteristics of undergraduates are generally similar, the research findings would be generalized to include all undergraduates’ of Ambrose Alli University.

1.6       Significance of the Study

The study will provide researchers empirical data on the influence of social media on undergraduates’ academic performances. It will be relevant in assisting the undergraduates to understand the diversity of social media and their effectual use in academic activities. The results of the study are likely to influence further scholarly research by other researchers who may be interested in this field of knowledge and initiate appropriate investigation. The findings could be used by academic advisers and counselors to proffer professional advice to the university authorities on how to regulate the use of social media network among undergraduates of Ambrose Alli University and other institutions of learning. Also, the findings of this study would provide facts that will enable the ministry of education and ministry of communication technology to know what arises from the use of social networking sites, so as to be guided on how to control social networking sites usage to enhance learning and research. It is also important to note that it would be of relevance to various people around and universities across Nigeria.

1.7       Operational Definition of Terms

Academic Performance: The outcome of somebody’s efforts in education and extent to which a student has achieved his educational goals.

Influence of social media: The power of social media to cause change in the users without directly forcing such changes to happen.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT): A term that describes the general processing and communication of information of all kinds through technology.

Internet: A global digital infrastructure that connects millions of computers and people in what is often referred to as network of networks with cross platform compatibility that ease communication.

Social Networking site: An online platform that provides a virtual community for people interested in a particular subject or just to hang out together.

Social Media: A wed based and mobile capabilities, used to turn communication into interactive dialogue between organizations, communities and individuals.

Undergraduates: A student at a college or university who has not yet earned a bachelor’s or equivalent degree.

