Effects of Social Media to Student’s Academic Performance

Social media is any website that allows social interaction and it is growing rapidly

throughout ‘the world. It is given that social media can be interacting and informative, but

somehow it gives negative and positive impact to students academic performances. Students are

exposed in all types of technology in many aspects. According to Nicole, (2007), students and

teenagers have especially recognized these social media platforms to be able to contact their

peers, share information, reinvent their personas and showcase their social life.

Kaplan and Haenlein (2010), defined social media as a group of internet- based applications

that build on the ideological and technological foundations of Web 2.0 and allow the creation

and exchange of user-generated content. The Oxford dictionary (2011), also defined social media

as ‘’websites and applications used for social networking”. Another definition of social media is

that it is a ‘’communication channel which is very popular, extremely fast and broad, has proven

to be highly effective, as well as trusted by billions of people , to share and discover content

concerning individuals, brands, information, entertainment and knowhow’’ (Dearborn, 2014).

One theme that all these definitions underpin is that social media involves some form of

communication between individuals over the internet.

Social media have permeated all generations of Internet users, becoming a prominent

communications tool, particularly in the student community. Thus, academic institutions and

faculty are increasingly using social networking sites, such as Facebook and Gmail, to connect

with current and potential students and to deliver instructional content. This has led to a rise in

questions about the impact of social media on academic performance and the possibility of using

it as an effective teaching tool (Paul, Baker, Cochran, 2012)

 Researchers have found a negative impact of social media to students academic performance.

Malaney (2005) found that some students in multiple studies in 2000 and 2003 reported that their

grades had suffered as a result of too much time spent on social media. Banquil et al., 2009found

evidence of a continuing drop of grades among students because of using social networking. In

addition, some studies reported a significant negative relation between Facebook user and

academic performance (Gafni and Deri, 2012, Junco, 2012a, Junco, 2012b, Junco, 2011, Ndaku

et al., 201, Rouis et al., 2011). Banquil et al. (2009) observed a drop in students’ grades and lack

of time as consequences of social media participation.

Aside from these effects, other studies conducted have also proved that social media can be

detrimental to students’ academic life if caution is not taken in its usage. For instance the study

conducted by Obi, Bulus, Adamu and Sala’at (2012), titled “The need for safety consciousness

among Youths on social Networking Sites” concluded that social media affects students use of

English. They use short-handwriting when chatting with friends and unconsciously get used to it

thereby replicating same errors during examinations. Even though one may argue that these are

minor challenges, it is important to acknowledge the increasing rate at which these errors are

replicated in the education sector and if care is not taken future generation may see it as a norm.

Nevertheless, a number of researchers have found a positive impact of social media on

students academic performance. Some studies focused on Facebook usage and its positive impact

on academic performance (Junco, 2012a, Tuan, 2013). Many studies found positive impacts of

social media and networking on language and reading (Tuan, 2013, Wood et al., 2014)

According to Jeff, (2018), social media (1)Provides every student with the possibility of

learning online. These days, the wish to study and access to the Internet is sufficient for getting a

top-notch quality education. Distance learning is an effective method for getting a decree from
any educational establishment, regardless of its location.(2) Makes it easy to get instant access to

reliable information. Moreover, Internet resources are very helpful when the information isn’t

available in the library. It is possible to find sample papers online as well as useful guidelines on

how to do complete assignments the right way.(3) Serves as an effective device for academic

performance. Social media platforms can be successfully used for the teamwork.

It is further supported in the study of Arquero and Esteban, (2013) and Selwyn, (2007) whose

conclusions were that social media undoubtedly generate new opportunities to engage students in

higher education as they are remarkably effective at connecting people and facilitating the

exchange of information. It is clear and indisputable from these studies that social media usage in

the educational sector cannot be underestimated since its introduction.

Thus, it can be concluded that social media have a dual impact on students academic

performance, and it is necessary to approach adolescents’ use of social networks with ultimate

responsibility. Social media do have pro’s and con's when it comes to students academic

performances. Social media can change one's life. It can either be a destruction resulting to

students low performance or be a tool for a better education. Moreover, use the social media

smartly, having social media will become a good change for everyone (Lee, 2015). Students

themselves must realize all the potential harm from excessive use of social networks, and

responsibly approach the learning process and academic results.