INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF CROSS RIVER STATE.

ABSTRACI' This study examined.Influence or Social Media on Academie Performance Of Students in UNICROSS. In handling the study, Ohicctives wete put for-nard which include; finding out the Of social media usage among stlldcnls the (Jniversity or Cross River State, finding out the relationship between social media usage habits and academic performance indicators among students Of UNCROSS and finding out strategies for promoting responsible social medin use Whilc maintaining academic success ainong UNCROSS 5tudent9. The theoretical fran:w.vork used in this study is the Uses and Gratification* Theory and thc Social Learning Theory thul on how the media have the ability to influence the salience Of topics in public discourse by emphasizing certain topics over others and understanding how media exposure influences teenagers social awareness und behaviors. It also emphasizes the importance ol' social interactions, modeling, and reinlörcement in shaping behavior. The survey method of research was adopted with [lie use Of questionnail*s distributed 200 respondents in the selected departmenls\faeultics. Major findings revealed that students in UNICROSS are familiar with social media, they find it and they are not distracted by it. It recommended in Ibis research (hut social media should be leveraged on ror academic support. lime management workshops should be developed, educational content should he promoted on social media, university-led online survey should be created and responsible social media should be encouraged,