HOW SOCIAL MEDIA AFFECTS STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIA INSTITUTIONS; A STUDY OF DELTA STATE POLYTECHNIC, OGWASHI-UKU.

This study examined the effects of social media on students' academic performance in Nigerian tertiary institutions, using Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku as a case study. The rapid growth of social media platforms has significantly influenced students' communication patterns, learning habits, and academic activities. While social media provides opportunities for information sharing, collaborative learning, and access to educational resources, concerns have been raised regarding its potential negative effects on students' academic achievement due to excessive usage and distraction. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. A sample of 200 students was selected from various departments of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire designed to assess students' social media usage patterns and their perceived impact on academic performance. The data collected were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean scores, and chi-square statistical tools. The findings revealed that a majority of students actively use social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube on a daily basis. The study further showed that social media contributes positively to academic performance by facilitating communication among students, enhancing access to educational materials, supporting group discussions, and promoting collaborative learning. However, the findings also indicated that excessive use of social media leads to distraction, poor time management, reduced concentration during study periods, procrastination, and a decline in academic productivity. The study established that there is a significant relationship between social media usage and students' academic performance. Based on the findings, the study concluded that social media exerts both positive and negative influences on students' academic performance depending on the manner and frequency of usage. The study therefore recommended that students should regulate their time spent on social media, educational institutions should encourage the academic use of social networking platforms, and awareness programs should be organized to educate students on responsible social media usage for improved academic outcomes.