INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF OFFICE TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT STUDENTS IN THREE POLYTECHNICS IN KWARA STATE.

Abstract This study examined the influence of social media on the academic performance of Office Technology and Management (OTM) students in three polytechnics in Kwara State. The increasing adoption of social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and X has created opportunities for students to access academic resources, collaborate with peers, and enhance communication. However, concerns have emerged regarding their tendency to distract students and reduce study commitment. The objectives of the study were to determine students’ level of access to social media, assess the extent of social media usage for academic development, identify motivating factors for its use, and evaluate its impact on students’ academic performance. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population consisted of 450 OTM students across Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State Polytechnic Ilorin, and Lens Polytechnic Offa. A sample of 232 respondents was selected using a two-stage sampling technique, combining purposive and simple random procedures. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire titled “Influence of Social Media on Academic Performance of OTM Students Questionnaire”. The instrument’s validity was ensured through supervisor vetting, while reliability was tested using a test-retest method. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics such as tables, frequencies, and percentages. The study is expected to provide insights into the dual role of social media as both an educational tool and a potential source of distraction. Its findings will be useful to policymakers, educators, parents, and students by highlighting the extent to which social media contributes to or impedes academic performance. The outcome also intends to inform strategies for effective integration of social media into learning while minimizing its adverse effects.