EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS. (A CASE STUDY OF ABDU GUSAU POLYTECHNIC )

ABSTRACT This study investigates the effects of social media addiction on the academic performance of students at Abdu Gusau Polytechnic. The rapid growth of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok has significantly altered students' social interactions, often becoming a major source of distraction. This research aims to understand the extent of social media addiction among students and how it correlates with their academic achievements. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data from a sample of 200 students across different departments. The study examines the time spent on social media, the platforms used, and the frequency of use during academic hours, as well as how these habits impact academic tasks such as studying, attending lectures, and completing assignments. Findings reveal a negative correlation between excessive social media use and academic performance. Students who reported higher levels of addiction to social media exhibited lower grades and reduced engagement with academic responsibilities. Additionally, it was found that social media addiction contributes to procrastination, poor time management, and diminished focus during studies, further aggravating academic performance issues. However, a small proportion of students who used social media for academic purposes experienced slight improvements in performance. The study concludes that while social media can serve as an educational tool, addiction to these platforms poses a serious threat to students' academic success. Recommendations include encouraging students to develop better self-regulation strategies, promoting digital literacy programs, and introducing campus-wide initiatives that balance social media use with academic responsibilities.