EVALUATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA UTILIZATION ON THE LEARNING BEHAVIOUR OF BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS, MAKURDI

This study investigated how the use of social media influence the learning behaviour of Benue State University Students, Makurdi. The study adopted survey research design which questionnaire was used as the research instrument for data collection. The population of the study comprised of the Students of Benue State University, Makurdi where a sample size of 381 was drawn which represented the study population. Data collected was analyzed through descriptive statistics while findings revealed that a high level of exposure to social media among students of Benue State University, Makurdi. It also revealed the use of different social media platforms but most especially WhatsApp followed by Google classroom, Facebook and Instagram among students of Benue State University, Makurdi for their learning experience. The platforms, as the study revealed, are used by the majority of them to receive lectures; carry out personal research and development; do assignments; write exams; engage in group discussions; carry out continuous assessment; receive/get updates; and update others and it is to great extent that majority of them use the platforms as they do so at least more than twice a day. The use of social media has influenced learning among the Students of Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria to a great extent. Its conclusion was that social media are platforms that if properly utilized can promote proper learning among students in Nigeria. It recommended that adequate sensitization on the positive use of social media for academic purposive among students be made through seminars, workshops, conferences and other related platforms to help understand more the benefits of the use of social media to improve their performance in academics rather than decreasing it. The use of social media platforms should be continued among students since there is no problem with its usage but the purpose and essence to which it is used that can determine its success or failure.