SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE AND STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN ATIBA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE

Abstract This study investigated the relationship between social media usage and the academic performance of selected senior secondary school students in Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State. The study was guided by three research questions and three hypotheses, focusing on the influence of social media usage on academic performance, gender differences in usage, and the variation between students in public and private schools. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 120 students drawn from six randomly selected secondary schools using a structured questionnaire developed by the researcher. The sample included a balanced representation of gender and class levels (SS1–SS3). Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, means, and standard deviations were used to analyze demographic data and research questions, while inferential statistics specifically Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and independent samples t-tests were used to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed a statistically significant negative relationship between social media usage and academic performance, indicating that increased time spent on social media was associated with a decline in academic achievement. However, no significant differences were found in social media usage between male and female students, nor between students in public and private schools. The study concludes that while social media remains a vital communication tool, its excessive use can negatively impact students’ academic outcomes. It recommends that students be guided on effective time management and the responsible use of social media. Teachers, parents, and school administrators should also collaborate in promoting academic discipline and digital awareness among adolescents.