INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA'S PLAY-TO-EARN GAMES ON STUDENTS’ PRODUCTIVITY IN SELECTED TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN IJEBU NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT

ABSTRACT The study investigates social media’s pay-to-earn games on students’ productivity in selected tertiary institutions in Ijebu North Local Government, Ogun state on how student engagement in play-to-earn games affects their productivity (academic performance, time management and study habit). The objective aim to assess the extent youths’ participate in play-to-earn games on social media’s platform, the relationship between social media’s play-to-earn games and students’ productivity, explore difference in gender participation, and identify perceived benefits and drawbacks. In light of the main objective of the study, a descriptive survey design was used and data were collected across selected tertiary institutions specifically at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Tai Solarin University of Education, and Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic using structured questionnaire. 400 questionnaires were administered to students across the three institutions, with 386 valid responses analyzed. Self-determination theory and expectancy theory was adopted for the study. Findings from the study revealed that social media’s play-to-earn games increase motivation, critical thinking and offer gratification rewards leading to distraction, decrease academic focus, and time management. Male students were more engaged than female students, and overall productivity was based on self-regulation. The study recommend that students should take personal responsibility for managing their time and digital behavior, parents offer supportive guidance, and university authorities should implement awareness campaigns, counseling and digital wellness initiative to foster healthy balance between academic and gaming engagement.