SOCIAL MEDIA AND INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS IN AKWA IBOM STATE POLYTECHNIC, IKOT OSURUA

ABSTRACT This study aims to examine the effectiveness of Social Media and Interpersonal Communication among Female Students of Akwa Ibom State Poytechnic, Ikot Osurua. To facilitate the purpose of the study, the objective was to; find out if social media is an effective means of communication among female students in Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic.The study formulated some research questions to guide the work. The study adopted a survey research method. The population of this study comprises of female students Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua. According to the school admission unit and Tenecee professional service, the projected population of female students is six thousand and five (6,005) with a sample size of three hundred and eighty-four (384) selected through Yaro Yamani guide. The institution was cluster into five (5) schools/faculties and considered appropriate for the presentation of the entire population. Non-probability sampling technique and purposive sampling procedure was used in selecting participants for the study. Uses and Gratification theory and Computer mediated communication theory were suitable for the study. A structured questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection with 13 questions. Three hundred and eighty-four (385) copies of questionnaire were administered to the females students and three hundred and seventy-five (375) copies were found useful for the study. Data gathered were processed and converted to percentages which were placed on tables. The findings reveal that; there is a positive effect of social media usage on interpersonal communication among female students of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua. Thus, the study recommended that there should be proper orientation by the school management and Student’s Union leaders on the need to improve positive use of social media among female students.