Effects of social media on the academic performance of students in selected senior high schools in the Efutu Municipality

Abstract

The study explored the effect of social media on students’ academic performance in Senior High Schools in the Efutu Municipality. The study specifically, looked at the frequently utilised social media platforms and how social media exposure, addiction, and usage influences the students’ academic performance. Additionally, the study investigated gender and age difference that exist of social media usage. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used. The study covered four Senior High Schools in the Efutu Municipality. Student respondents were selected from various programmes and classes based on a multi-stage sampling procedure. Questionnaire was the main instrument for the collection of data and administered to 86 students. Throughout the conduct of the study, ethical issues were not overlooked. Mean and Standard Deviation were employed for the analysis of the information gathered to answer the research questions. The mostly used social media platform was Facebook, followed by WhatsApp and thirdly, Instagram. Other social media platforms used by the students were YouTube, SnapChat, and Imo. Social media addiction was negatively associated to students’ academic performance. The findings of the study revealed that exposure and usage to social media positively influenced the students’ academic performance. The study revealed that gender and age differences exist in the utilisation of social media platforms among the respondents. It is recommended that school counsellors together with management of Senior High Schools in Efutu Municipality should map out strategies to reduce students’ addiction to social media platforms.