THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON STUDENTS' ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

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This article examines the meaning of social media, academic performance, and the positive and negative impacts of social media on students' academic performance.

In today's world, social media has become an important part of students' lives. It has become

very important because students make use of social media applications such as YouTube,

TikTok, WhatsApp, and Instagram to stay informed and support their studies. However, many

students spend too much time on these social media apps, and as a result, it affects their

academic performance. Therefore, the use of social media has both advantages and

disadvantages on students' academic performance.


MEANING OF SOCIAL MEDIA


Social media simply refers to mobile applications and websites that allow people to post pictures

and videos, share information, communicate, and interact with others. These platforms make it

easier for people to connect with others from different parts of the world and also to get

information.


MEANING OF ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE


Academic performance refers to how well a student performs in educational activities. It is

usually measured through projects, assignments, tests, examinations, and overall grades.

Students who perform well academically show that they understand what they have been

taught.


POSITIVE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON STUDENTS' ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE


Social media has many benefits in the lives of students. It gives students access to educational

information and makes it easier for them to read online articles, download study materials, and

understand difficult topics.Social media also have platforms that give free tutorials on difficult

topics.e.g YouTube.

Also, social media applications like WhatsApp make it easier for students in higher institutions to

receive information about lecture timetables and other academic activities. Students can

communicate with their classmates and join online study groups where they discuss different

topics and learn together.

In addition, social media exposes students to educational opportunities, scholarships, and

online courses that can improve their knowledge and academic skills.

Some students also learn skills like baking, hair styling and many others through the use of

social media platforms.


NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON STUDENTS' ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE


Although social media is very important, it can also affect students negatively if it is not used

properly.


 When students spend too much time on social media platforms, it may reduce the time

available for studying and eventually affect their academic performance. This may affect the

confidence of the students, which may lead to loss of academical spark. Parents will be

disappointed in students,and this can lead to low self esteem of students.

Also, social media can expose students to false information, cyberbullying, and online

harassment. 


These experiences may affect their confidence, concentration, and mental

well-being, which can also have a negative effect on their academic performance.

In conclusion, the use of social media by students may have negative and positive effects on

their academic performance. When social media is being used wisely by students, it'll have a good impact in their academic life.Also, it helps students to get educational information, learn new things, learn new skills and communicate with coursemates. With the help of social media apps like TikTok, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, students are able to get information and browse about topics. 

Although, when these apps are not used wisely, it may have a negative impact on students which may affect their academic performance.


Therefore, students should learn how to use social media wisely and balance it with their academic activities so that it won't affect them in a bad way.




By:
Basikoro, Onome.
(Department of English and Literary Studies, Delta State University, Abraka)

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