CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

Socialization is a lifelong process which continues as people changes jobs or roles and as

society itself changes. It is an age long human activity which entails the relationship between

human being and another in the environment in which they live (Haralambos, Holborn and

Healed, 2008). Socialization has long been witnessed before the advent of new technologies

which transformed socialization into a new system in the society.

The transition to technological era brought about the advent of the internet as well as

social media. The advancement in technology has made it easier for people especially the young

people to have access to internet and thus social networking which they join in with friends

(Ibrahim, 2012). Social media or networking has revolutionized the way social interaction takes

place. It is a process by which people socialize online. Through it, people seek and enjoy the

companionship of others online. It supports the sharing of information and services among

individuals and groups having a common interest.

Social media according to Kaplan and Helen (2010) is defined as a group of internet

based application that allows the creation and exchange of user generated content. In the same

vein, Arshin (2010) referred to social networking sites as virtual places where people find

themselves and share information. These social networking sites have an open membership. As

soon as one opens an account and uploads his or her data on the profile pages, the person is

entitled to create a network of friends. However, some social networking sites are specifically
designed for mobile phones, some are accessed via computers and others could be accessed

using both mobile phones and computers or other information communication technologies.

These social networking sites are so numerous but a few would be mentioned, which

include; 2go, facebook, whatsapp, blackberry messenger, e-buddy, orbit, friend wise, nimbuzz,

myspace and so on. There are no limitations or restriction as to which social networking sites one

should belong; one can be a member of as many as possible. While the social networking sites

have the same key aspects, the cultures and responses around them that become apparent are

varied. Most sites help strangers connect with others based on shared personal interests, political

and economic views, or simply recreational activities. Some sites accommodate distinct viewers

while others attract people based on similarities, such as common languages or shared racial,

sexual, religious, or nationality-based identities. Nonetheless, social networking sites have only

common goal. It is to encourage new ways to communicate and share information. It also

provide great opportunities for members including secondary school students and Librarians who

use it to promote the services of the library and also get first class information about their users

through interacting with them. The students on the other hand benefit from some of the postings

in some sites because some postings can be informative and educative and the students after

reading such posts can comment on them.

Some secondary school students have formed the habit of visiting different social

networking sites that which have started influencing their overall attitude; academically,

physically and socially.

A student primary objective is the academics, especially at secondary school level

because it is the stage of career building; therefore, the need to take their studies and reading
much seriously cannot be over emphasized. Akintunde (2001) observed that the importance of

developing a good reading habit by students cannot be overstated. As competence in reading

enables learners to be successful and engage with the world beyond the classroom (Mabekoje

2011). He stressed further that developing a good reading habit broadens readers’ horizon; it is

important for independent of other language skills, especially speaking and writing. The entire

process of education and the development of literacy depend on printed words and reading is the

crucial means through which student develops this literacy and the knowledge about is

environment (Mabekoje 2009).

Nevertheless, secondary schools that are offering government subject who supposed to

use social media and social networking sites to promote and uplift their academic career through

various social networking sites but reverse is the case, as these set of students are often being

observed during school time in various hiding places either discussing social networks or

browsing with their phones. Long (2012) postulated that it is so common these days that many

young people are addicted to social networking activities, abandoning homework and reading

time in preference to chatting with friends, even at lectures times, many students are on phones

engaging in one form of chatting or the other which can be quite distracting and loss of

concentration most times.

Social networking with its numerous benefits should not be allowed to drift away the

minds of students where in lies the development of Grade 11 students. Reading empowers

everyone, it prepares the mind for societal challenges, therefore, there is need to ensure it is back

in line in order to develop and move the nation forward. Therefore, the main focus of this study

is to investigate the influence of social media on secondary school students.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Since the advent of social media sites in the 1990s, it is assumed in some quarters that the

academic performance of students is facing a sort of neglect and divided attention between social

networking activities and their academic work. It is observed that students devote more attention

to social media sites than they do to their studies.

Therefore, this study is an effort to understand the possible impact this social media sites

has on the students in relation to their academic performance in Government as a subject. This is

the reason why the impact of social media on students’ academic performance in Government

catches the researcher’s attention, more especially the fact that social media effect has not be

empirically investigated at Santiago City National High School particularly to the Grade 11

students, hence this study is an effort to fill the research gap.

Purpose of the Study

The general purpose of the study is to unravel the impact of social media on students’

academic performance of Grade 11 students at Santiago City Natinal High School.

The specific purposes of the study are to;

(i). find out the extent to which social media influences gender performance of students in Grade

11

(ii). identify the most visited social networking sites by Grade 11 students.

(iii). determine the students’ purpose for using the identified social media sites by Grade 11

students.
(iv). find out the amount of times students invest into social media sites.

(v). identify the Information Communication Technologies mostly used by Students in Grade 11

for social networking.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions were formulated to guide this study;

(i). to what extent do the use of social media influence gender performance of students?

(ii). which social networking sites students visit most?

(iii). what purposes do students use their chosen social media for?

(iv). what is the extent of time students invest into use of social media?

(v). which Information Communication Technologies do Government students mostly use to

explore their social media

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following hypotheses are put forward to guide the researcher in his investigation.

They are:

There will be no significant difference in the performance of male and female students in Grade

11 as a result of their use of social media

There is no relationship between time spent on social media and academic performance of

students in Grade 11.

There is no relationship between the use of social media and excellent academic performance of

students in Grade 11.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study will be of immense benefits to Students, Parents, Guardians and School

Teachers, Management and other Stakeholders in the education of the post primary school.

Students who need to learn to manage and balance their time well so as to be great contributors

to the development of the society.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is on the impact of social media on students’ academic

performance of Grade 11 students at Santiago City National High School. The researcher intends

to cover Grade 11 students of Santiago City National High School. The choice of this scope is to

allow for in depth study. However, the research is still of the hope to give a reliable outcome.

1.8 Definition of Terms

(i) Social Media: They are forms of electronic communication which facilitate interactive based

on certain interests. Social media include web and mobile technologies such as computers,

G.S.M and mobile phones.

(ii) Social Networking: This is the use of internet to make information about yourself available

to other people especially people you share an interest with. The essence of social networking is

to share idea and exchange messages.

(iv) Academic: It is the concerned with studying from books as opposed by a practical work.
 CHAPTER FOUR

DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Analysis

The findings of the study are presented here under the following sub-sections in

accordance with the research questions earlier prepared and hypotheses set for the study

Table 1

Responses of Government students on sex as regards social media

Sex Response Frequency Percentage

Male Yes 76 76%

No 22 22%
Sex Response Frequency Percentage

Undecided 2 2%

Female Yes 78.8 78.8%

No 19.6 19.6%

Undecided 1.6 1.6%

Table 1 above shows that the male grade 11 students who are active users of social media

represent 49% of the total population, while 51% of the total population represents the female

who are active users of social media to a very extent.

Table 2

The responses of grade 11 students on the most visited social networking sites.

Response Frequency Percentage

2go 34 34%

Facebook 34 34%

WhatsApp 9 9%

Blackberry Messenger 1 1%

Instagram 2 2%

Yahoo Messenger 2 2%

Others 18 18%

Total 100 100%

 Table 2 shows that 2go and Facebook by grade 11 students of Santiago City National

High School.

Table 3

The responses of grade 11 students’ purposes for using social media.

Response Frequency Percentage

Chatting with friends 30 30%

Communication 16 16%

Entertainment 14 14%

Academic 20 20%

News 20 20%

Undecided - -

Total 100 100%

From the Table 3 above, grade 11 students scored 30%, 16%, 14%, 20% and 20%

respectively. This shows that the students mostly use social media to relate with their peers and

classmates. The table also shows that, 20% of the Grade 11 students use social media for

academic purpose and to be abreast of happening in the world (news).

Table 4

Most used Information and Communication Technologies to explore social media

Response Frequency Percentage

GSM/Cell phones 71 71%

Laptops 9 9%
Response Frequency Percentage

Desktop Computers 9 9%

Ipad 11 11%

Total 100 100%

From the result in Table above, 71% of grade 11 students use GSM/Cell phones to

explore social media. The table also shows that the students have less preference for Laptops,

Computers and Ipad.

Testing of Hypothesis

Ho: There will be no significant difference in the performance of male and female

students in grade 11 as a result of their use of social media. This hypothesis was tested at 0.05

level of significance.

Presentation of Result

Yes No Undecided Level Sig x2-cal t-cal

Male 76 22 2 0.05 101.6 7.81

Female 84 16 0

As represented in the table, the calculated value is 101.6, while critical value is 7.81. at

0.05 level of significance. The calculated value is greater than critical value. As a result, the null

hypothesis is rejected. Therefore, there is significant difference in the attitude of male and female

students in Grade 11 as regard to the use of social media. This result also shows that female

grade 11 students use social media more than their male counterparts.
 Hypothesis II

Ho: There is no relationship between time spent on social media and academic

performance of students in grade 11.

Yes No Undecided Level Sig x2-cal t-cal

Time spent 46.6 53.8 0.6 0.05 114.3 7.81

Academic Performance 81.8 17.8 0.4

As represented in the table above, the calculated value is 114.3, while critical value is

7.81. at 0.05 level of significance. The calculated value is greater than critical value. Therefore,

this hypothesis is rejected and the alternate hypothesis is upheld. That is, there is a significant

relationship between time spent on social media and academic performance of students in grade

11. The implication of this analysis is that spending much time on social media by Government

students is detrimental to their academic performance. Committing more time to the use of social

media is not likely to be helpful to Government students in secondary schools.

Hypothesis III

Ho: There is no relationship between the use of social media and excellent academic

performance of students in grade 11.

Yes No Undecided Level Sig x2-cal t-cal

Social media 76 21.8 1.6 0.05 100.76 7.81

 Yes No Undecided Level Sig x2-cal t-cal

Academic Performance 81.8 17.8 0.4

From the Table above, the calculated value is 100.76, while critical value is 7.81. at

significance level of 0.05. The calculated value is greater than the critical value. Therefore, this

hypothesis is rejected because there is a significant relationship between the use of social media

and excellent academic performance of students in grade 11. This implies that, the use of social

media by grade 11 students retard excellent performance in their learning to a subject.

4.2 Result and Discussion

The findings from this study are quite revealing. The result reveals that there is a

significant difference in the performance of male and female students in grade 11 as a result of

their use of social media. Majority of female grade 11 students use social media sites for

academic purposes such as assignment, sharing of ideas, discussing class work activities etc. A

greater number of male students use social media sites for communication and entertainment

purposes. The findings of the study also reveals that female grade 11 use social media more than

their male counterparts.

These findings tally with that of Khan (2010). Who noted that majority of male students use

social networking sites for communication and entertainment purposes. The results also revealed

that grade 11 students use some social networking sites to a high extent. Some of these social

networking sites are; 2go, Facebook and WhatsApp. However, the results of this study relates

with the findings of Flad (2010) and Poukhan (2010). Flad’s study found that Facebook is the
most utilized social networking site by secondary school students prefer Facebook to other social

networking sites.

The results revealed the Information and Communication Technologies (ITCs) mostly

used by grade 11 students. These information communication technologies are GSM/Cell

phones, Laptops, Desktop Computers and Ipad. The result of this study indicated that these

students prefer to use GSM/Cell phones. This is as posited by Pierce and Vaca (2007) that teens

use their cell phones for their social networking activities.

The results of this study revealed that the amount of time spent on social media sites

interfere with the academic performance of students in Santiago City National High School. In

addition, the students develop the poor writing skills and their grammar usage becomes very

poor due to the abbreviations they use in the process of chatting (social networking sites).

The finding of this study is in line with Pokhan (2010), whose study revealed that social

networking is most likely to affect students’ grammar usage, make the students take short cuts in

school work and got distracted in their academic exercise

 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary

The research work was carried out in order to examine the impact of social media on

students’ academic performance of Grade 11 students of Santiago City National High School.

Were randomly selected in the area with a total number of 100 students.

The researcher visited the ections and personally administered the questionnaire. From

the findings, it was discovered that social media have both positive and negative impacts on the

academic performance of students in grade 11. It was observed that the use of social media

among grade 11 students and their academic performance, comparison was made and concluded

that, the academic performance of grade 11 students suffer set back. However, if grade 11

students use social media judiciously, it will enhance students’ academic performance.

It was also revealed that, there is a difference in the performance of male and female

students in grade 11 as a result of their use of social media. It was observed that, female students

use social media more than their male counterparts. The implication is that, the female students

need to be closely watched for better performance than their male counterparts.

5.2 Conclusion

This study showed that grade 11 of Santiago City National High School, appear to be

different in the use of social media sites as a result of gender. Secondary school students visit
2go, Facebook and WhatsApp when compared to other social networking sites via their handsets

or GSM.

Grade 11 students of Santiago City National High School studied prefer the use of

GSM/Cell phones in accessing social networking sites than Laptops, Desktop Computers and

Ipad. Social media do have both positive and negative impact on students but due to the misuse

of social media, the students’ academic performance suffers set back. Most of the students are

prone to use of short words called abbreviations and wrong spellings

5.3 Recommendation

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are offered as elixir.

The stakeholders (school authorities, teachers, parents and guardians) should pay more attention

to the female folk. Both male and female Government students need to be guided properly and

informed on the vulnerability they may face on these sites if not utilized in moderation.

School teachers can introduce a group discussion forum on these networking sites for the

students to contribute positively on different topics of interest; this will keep them active in a

productive way.

Teachers, parents, guardians and school management should teach students the

importance of prioritizing their needs and visit social networking sites with good intents rather

than for ulterior motives. They should be encouraged to explore the potential benefits of social

media sites.

Parents, teachers, school management and Government bodies should monitor the

students from falling to the dangers of wrong use of these social media sites. Schools teachers
should also make sure that when students are in class they pay attention to teaching and not

distracted by some social networking sites.

Parents, teachers and school management need also to teach the students about time

management. They should put a limitation to students activities while at school and at home so

that they will not fritter away useful time on irrelevant activities like chatting.

School management and teachers should checkmate students’ use of GSM/Cell phones

especially during school hours to ensure that students are not carried away by use of these

technological devices. As some stakeholders have purposed, students should be discouraged

from the use of GSM in schools. Most of them use these social media for ulterior purposes and

this hinders them from attaining academic excellence.