INVESTIGATION ON THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENTS IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY MINNA

1.1 Background of the Study University education serves as the cornerstone of intellectual development and national progress, providing students with the tools to think critically, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to society. At its core, the goal of university education is to foster academic excellence and equip learners with knowledge and skills for lifelong success. In pursuit of improved academic performance, students are increasingly turning to technology-driven solutions—ranging from online libraries and educational apps to digital collaboration platforms and social media—to support their studies and stay connected to learning communities. The emergence of the internet in the 1990s marked a transformative era in the realm of communication. Today, the internet has become an indispensable element of people’s daily routines and lifestyles. It is now almost unimaginable for a young person to go a day without checking social media updates or scrolling through news feeds. The fast-paced nature of the modern world demands constant connection and awareness of global events (Camilia, 2020). There is no doubt that the rise of the internet played a pivotal role in the creation and popularity of social networking sites (SNSs). These platforms revolutionized the way people communicate and have had far-reaching effects in sectors such as education and entertainment. Research suggests that the internet has become the most effective means of communication, with approximately two-thirds of the global online population regularly using SNSs to interact and connect. These platforms, commonly referred to as social media, serve as virtual spaces for communication and information exchange. Social media has become a global phenomenon, penetrating virtually every corner of the world. Its usage has seen exponential growth, evolving into platforms where users can generate content, share it instantly, bookmark useful information, and connect with others. Students, in particular, represent one of the most active demographics on social media. It is clear that these platforms now play a major role in the lives of students, occupying a substantial portion of their free time. Scholars have highlighted four major benefits of using social media in higher education: it strengthens relationships, boosts motivation for learning, allows access to personalized educational resources, and nurtures collaborative skills (Locke, 2019). Lebans (2016) observed that students use social media to stay socially connected and often engage in discussions about their academic experiences and a wide range of topics. On the flip side, Kilmanr (2018) argued that social networking sites can distract students, pulling their attention away from academic responsibilities and towards non-productive activities like idle chatting. Despite their differing perspectives, both Lebans (2016) and Kilmanr (2018) acknowledged the profound influence social media has on student learning experiences. Scientific studies have also highlighted the susceptibility of young people to the negative effects of social networking. Many youths are misled into believing that relationships and friendships are easy to gain and lose. Moreover, the fast-paced environment of the internet can make real-life experiences seem dull, leading some to engage in reckless behaviors, falsely assuming they can "undo" their actions as easily as online interactions. Despite these concerns, many support the use of social media, asserting that it provides quick access to information and allows for the seamless exchange of academic resources among students. However, critics argue that students tend to use these platforms for social rather than academic purposes, thereby diverting their attention from learning (Madubuke, 2020). As with any widely used tool, social media brings both advantages and drawbacks. A notable concern is the relationship between students' time spent on social media and their academic performance. This study aims to uncover just how much students rely on these platforms and the extent of their impact. For instance, Mba (2022) reports that over 90% of university students actively use social networks. Mubaraq (2021) further states that students spend an average of 30 minutes daily on SNSs as part of their regular routines. These findings reflect how embedded social media is in students' lives, which could either positively or negatively influence their academic outcomes depending on usage patterns. Hence, this study seeks to examine the influence of social media on the academic performance of students in the Department of Library and Information Science at Rivers State University. 1.2 Statement of the Problem The internet is a vast network of interconnected computer systems that facilitates access to information and services for billions of users globally through a standardized communication protocol. It encompasses countless private, public, educational, and business networks ranging from local to international scale, interconnected through a variety of wired, wireless, and optical technologies (Magagula, 2017). The rise of new media technologies has significantly reshaped how individuals interact in their daily lives. Today, young people are increasingly drawn to social media platforms, and this trend is gaining widespread acceptance among students. These platforms provide a means for students to connect not only with peers on campus but also with friends beyond their academic environment. Social networking has enhanced individuals' sense of community and belonging. However, the growing popularity of these platforms has also sparked concern regarding the potential impact of excessive time spent on social media and the nature of online activities on students' academic outcomes (Martin, 2019). In today’s digital world, the internet has become the primary source of information, and student engagement with social media continues to increase. Unfortunately, it has been observed that many students now devote more time to social media than to their academic work. This shift in focus is problematic since academic success is closely linked to consistent study habits. Without proper dedication to academics, students are less likely to perform well in exams (Mughal, 2021). Additionally, Kilman (2018) discovered that excessive use of social media is associated with poor academic results, low self-esteem, and a diminished interest in pursuing academic or career-oriented goals. Academic excellence plays a critical role in shaping individuals’ lives—be it in family settings, social circles, professional environments, or academic institutions. Given the prestige and opportunities attached to educational success, there is substantial pressure on students to perform well. Many are therefore concerned with identifying effective ways to improve academic achievement (Kazimoto, 2019). However, studies have found that social media use affects students’ language skills. For example, constant use of abbreviations and shorthand in social chats often translates into similar mistakes in formal academic work (Boyd, 2017). Currently, students at all levels—especially in higher education—are heavily involved in the use of social networking sites. This pattern shows no sign of slowing down. Accordingly, this research aims to investigate the impact of social media on the academic performance of students in the Department of Library and Information Science at Rivers State University.. 1.3 Purpose of the study The purpose of this research study will be to evaluate the Impact of Social Media Usage on the Academic Performance of Library and Information Science Students at Rivers State University. Specifically; the study will be: i. To identify social media platforms that student use among themselves. ii. To examine the level of addiction/exposure to social networks among student in library and information science iii. To identify Social media misuse in written English language performance among students in library and information science 1.4 Research questions The following research question will guide the study: i. What are the social media platforms that students use among themselves? ii. What is the level of addiction/exposure to social networks among student in library and information science, department, Rivers State University? iii. What are the areas of social media misuse that affects students written English Performance? 1.5 Research Hypothesis The following hypothesis have been formulated for the study H0A: the level of addiction/exposure to social networks among student in library and information science, department, Rivers State University is low. H0: the level of addiction/exposure to social networks among student in library and information science, department, Rivers State University is high. 1.6 Significance of the study To address the study effectively students of library and information science would be assessed. The study would go further in helping researchers with more information on the effects of social media on student’s academic performance. At the end of the study this research work will be relevant in assisting students to understand the diversity of social media and ethical way of getting the best from social media and will also provide relevant materials for students and other researchers undertaking similar research. 1.7 Scope of the study The study will identify social media platforms that student use among themselves. The study will also examine the level of addiction/exposure to social networks among student in library and information science. Lastly, the study will identify Social media misuse in written English language performance among students in library and information science. Hence, the study is delimited to students of library and information science student Rivers State University. 1.8 Definition of terms Social media: Social media are forms of electronic communication which facilitate interactive social networking base on certain interests. Academic performance: the extent to which a student, teacher or institution has attained their short or long-term educational goals. Students: Someone who is studying at a university or school. A student can also be seen as someone who is interested in a particular subject or academic discipline. Library: a building or room containing collections of books, periodicals, and sometimes films and recorded music for use or borrowing by the public or the members of an institution.