WOLAITA SODO DAWRO TERCHA CAMPUS

SCHOOL OF INFORMATICS

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND ACADEMIC

PERFORMANCE OF STUDENT'S IN WSU

DONE BY:

NAME ID

1. Sineshaw Desalegn Ugr/54115/13

APRIL 2016 E.C

ETHIOPIA, WOLAITA SODO

Abstract
The purpose of this research study is to examine the influence of Social Media and
Academic Performance Of students in Wolaita Sodo University. Five Research questions
guided the study. To achieve this, the descriptive survey research design was adopted.
The study focused on Wolaita Sodo University hence, population consists of all the
38,000 full-time undergraduate students. The simple random sampling technique was
used to select a sample of 100 students. A four point Likert Type Rating Scale
Questionnaire type, titled: Social Media and Academic Performance of Students
Questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. The descriptive statistics of
frequency counts and percentage, were used to analyze the demographic data while
inferential statistics of Chi-square was used in testing the research hypotheses. Research
findings showed that a great number of students in Wolaita Sodo University are addicted
to social media. To this end, the our research recommended that social media should be
used for educational purposes as well; Social Networking Sites should be expanded and
new pages should be created to enhance academic activities and avoid setbacks in the
students’ academic performance; and Students should be monitored by teachers and
parents on how they use these sites This is to create a balance between social media and
academic activities of students to avoid setbacks in the academic performance of the
students.

1
Contents
Abstract..........................................................................................................................................i
CHAPTER ONE................................................................................................................................1
1. INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background of the Study..................................................................................................1
1.2 Statement of the problem...................................................................................................3
1.3 Research questions..............................................................................................................3
1.5 Scope of the study...............................................................................................................4
1.6 Significance of the study......................................................................................................5
1.7 Definition of terms...............................................................................................................5
CHAPTER TWO...............................................................................................................................6
2. LITERATURE REVIEW..............................................................................................................6
2.2 Review of previous studies/ literature on the subject.........................................................6
2.3 Theoretical frame work /conceptual frame work................................................................7
2.4 Gaps identified.....................................................................................................................7
2.5 Section two summary..........................................................................................................8
CHAPTER THREE.............................................................................................................................9
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...................................................................................................9
3.2 Description of the study Area..............................................................................................9
3.3 Research design (description of the research method adopted).........................................9
3.4 Description of the total population, sampling technique chosen and reason and sampling
size...........................................................................................................................................10
3.5 Data type and data sources................................................................................................10
3.5.1 Primary data................................................................................................................10
3.5.2 Secondary data...........................................................................................................11
3.6 Description of the instruments to be used for data collection...........................................11
3.7 Description of data gathering procedure...........................................................................11
3.8 Description of methods of data analysis and interpretation (quantitative and qualitative
data).........................................................................................................................................11
3.9 Section three summary.....................................................................................................11
CHAPTER FOUR............................................................................................................................12
CHAPTER FIVE..............................................................................................................................14
References...................................................................................................................................15
APPENDIX.....................................................................................................................................16
CHAPTER ONE
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
: Social Media and Academic Performance
The widespread integration of social media into our daily lives has prompted a surge in
research on its impact on various aspects of human behavior,
Exponential growth of social media: Over the past two decades, social media platforms
like Facebook, Twitter,
and Instagram have experienced explosive growth in user base and daily engagement.
Students are a significant demographic within this user base.
Concerns about potential negative impacts: Educators and parents have expressed
concern about the potential for social media to distract students,
leading to decreased focus on studies and lower grades. Studies have been conducted to
investigate this correlation.
Exploration of potential benefits: Alongside concerns, researchers are also exploring the
potential benefits of social media for academic purposes. This includes aspects like
online collaboration, access to educational resources, and fostering a more engaging
learning environment.

Previous research findings provide a foundation for this study. These findings can be
categorized as:

Studies highlighting negative impacts: Research has shown a potential link between
excessive social media use and decreased academic performance. Factors like reduced
study time, concentration difficulties, and cyberbullying have been identified as
contributing factors.
Studies exploring positive impacts: Emerging research suggests that social media can
be a valuable tool when used strategically. Studies have explored the positive impacts of
social media on student collaboration, access to educational resources, and increased
engagement with learning materials. This current study aims to build upon existing
research.
the impact of social media on academic performance
Social media's impact on academic performance is a double-edged sword. It can be both a helpful
tool and a distracting hindrance.

Negative impacts:

 Reduced study time: Social media can be highly engaging, and students might
spend excessive time scrolling through feeds instead of focusing on studies. This
can lead to missed deadlines and poorer comprehension of course material.
 Concentration problems: The constant notifications and updates from social
media can disrupt focus and make it difficult for students to concentrate on
studying for extended periods.
 Cyberbullying and mental health: Social media can be a breeding ground for
cyberbullying and social comparison, leading to anxiety and depression. These
mental health issues can significantly impact a student's ability to perform well
academically

Positive impacts:

 Collaboration and communication: Social media platforms can be used for

group projects, discussions, and sharing study materials. This can enhance
communication and collaboration among students.
 Educational resources: Many educational resources and communities are
available on social media. Students can find explanations of complex topics,
connect with experts, and participate in discussions that deepen their
understanding.
 Increased engagement: Social media can be used to create interactive learning
experiences and make traditional learning methods more engaging for students.

Overall, the impact of social media on academic performance depends on how

students use it.

Here are some tips for students to maximize the benefits and minimize the drawbacks
Set time limits: Allocate specific times for checking social media and stick to that
schedule.

 Designated zones: Create study zones free from distractions, including social
media notifications.
 Educational communities: Follow educational groups and pages that provide
valuable learning resources.

By adopting a balanced approach, students can leverage the positive aspects of social
media to enhance their academic performance

1.2 Statement of the problem

The world today is a global market in which the internet is the most important sort of
information. 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 lot of neglect and
challenges. The educational system in wolaita sodo university is faced with so many
challenges which have certainly brought about a rapidly decline in the quality of
education. There is a deviation, distraction and divided attention between social
networking activities and their academic work. It is observed that students devote more
attention to social media than they do to their studies. Students’ addictiveness to social
networks, students’ frequency of exposure to social network, social media network that
the students are more exposed to and the influence of social media as a medium of
interaction between students has been part of discussion in recent times and which have
imparted on their academic performance. Instead of students reading their books, they
spend their time chatting and making friends via the social media and this might
definitely have influence on their academic performance, because when you do not read,
there is no way you can perform well academically.

Students at all levels of learning now have divided attention to studies, as a result of
available opportunities to be harnessed from social media. Whether these opportunities
promote studies is a question that needs to be answered. Thus, the problem this study
investigates is the influence of social media networks on the academic performance of
the students in wolaita Sodo University.

1.3 Research questions

The following research questions were raised;
1. To what extent would addictiveness to social network influence their academic
performance?

2. Does the social media network that the students are more exposed to influence their
academic performance in Wolaita Sodo University?

3. How has the use of social media influence the academic performance of the students
in Wolaita Sodo University?

4. Is there gender difference in the way student’s usage of social media network?
5. In what way do younger and older wolaita sodo university students influence the use
of social media?
1.4 Objective of the study

General objective

The general objective of this study generally is to examine the influence of Social Media
on the Academic Performance of students in Wolaita Sodo University.

Specific objectives

1. To examine the level of wolaita sodo university student addictiveness to social media
and the influence on their academic performance.

2. To determine the social media network that the students are more exposed to and the
influence on their academic performance in wolaita sodo university.

3. To ascertain how the use of social media has influence the academic performance of
the students in Wolaita Sodo University.

4. To ascertain the difference in wolaita sodo university students’ usage of social media
network by gender.

5. To ascertain how age has influence on wsu students’ usage of social media network.

1.5 Scope of the study

The focus of this research work is to primarily study the Influence of social media on the
academic performance of students. The study will comprise students in wolaita Sodo
University.
1.6 Significance of the study
This study is significant to the teachers, parents and students. This study will help the
teachers of the school to know the influence that social media has on their students, so as
to assist them to enlighten and create awareness to the students on the possible influence
it has on them. The study is of significant to parents in the sense that they will know the
possible effects these social media usage has on their children, so as to serve as watch-
dog to their children on the usage of the social networking site.
The study will enable the students of the senior level so that they will be aware that,
apart from the social benefits of this social networking site, using the sites more than
necessary will pose possible dangers to their health. It will be relevant in assisting
students in understanding the diversity of social media. It will provide relevance material
for students and other researchers undertaking similar research. The study will help
researchers with more information on the Influence of social media on student’s
academic performance

1.7 Definition of terms

As words may mean differently in different contexts, the following definitions are given
as the words used as intended to be understood for the purpose of this study.
Social Media: They are forms of electronic communication which facilitate interactive
base on certain interests. Social media include web and mobile technology
Social Networking Sites: A website where people put information about them and can
send to others.

Social Networking: The use of internet to make information about yourself available to
other people especially people you share an interest with to send messages to them.

Media: Are all those media technologies that are intended to reach a large audience by
mass communication. “They are messages communicated through a mass medium to a
number of people.
Academic: It is concerned with Studying from books as opposed by a practical work.

Students: Someone who is Studying at a University or School. Someone who is very

interested in a particular subject.

Computer: A computer is a machine that receives or stores or process data quickly

according to a stored program.
CHAPTER TWO
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction

This chapter reviewed some of the numerous works done by scholars and researchers
which are directly related to this research work. In doing so, this chapter examined and
reviewed. The first section presents review of the previous studies on the social media
and academic performance of student's in Wolaita Sodo University and the second
section presents theoretical frame works and in Wolaita Sodo University along the gaps
observed in particular.

2.2 Review of previous studies/ literature on the subject

According to Khan U (2009), social media users often time experience poor performance
academically. Similarly, Englander, Terregrossa & Wang (2010) posit that social media
is negatively associated with academic performance of student and is a lot more
momentous than its advantages. Internet addiction consequently gave rise in internet
usage within the last couple of decades. Nalwa & Anand (2003).recommended that
addicted users prefer using internet setting back their personal and professional
responsibilities which ultimately leads to poor academic performance. In the same vein,
Karpinski (2009) pointed out that social media users devoted lesser time to their studies
in comparison to nonusers did and subsequently had lower GPAs. Karpinski &
Duberstein. (2009).Also mentioned that among various unique distractions of every
single generation, Social media remains a major distraction of current generation .

According to recent research about social media networks and Internet usage, social
networking sites like Facebook and Myspace have become so popular that many
university students will get an account even if they do not want to (Peter, Schouten, &
Valkenburg, 2006). This shows that joining a SNS signifies more than just going on a
website; it is way of “fitting in” with peers, just like many other types of groups in high
school (Peter, Schouten, & Valkenburg, 2006). In fact, SNS may be predictors of self-
esteem and wellbeing in students, and they have become a fundamental role in student’s
life (Peter, Schouten, & Valkenburg, 2006). A student stated in a research study by Dr.
Danah Boyd at Berkeley University: “If you’re not on Myspace, you don’t exist” (Boyd,
2007).
In Ogedebe, Emmanuel & Musa (2012), a study on Facebook and Academic
Performance in Nigeria Universities was carried out on 122 university students; they
tested six hypotheses to know the effect of Facebook on the academic performance of
students in selected universities. The study tested among other hypotheses that the more
time a student spends on Facebook, the lower his or her grade point average will be. In
Olubiyi (2012), the author observed that the bone of contention of the social media is the
obsessive attitude of Nigerian youths towards its use. He pointed out that students waste
their time through idle chats and other immoral acts. Students are so engrossed in the
social media networks that they are almost 24 hours online. Even in classrooms and
lecture theatres, it has been observed that some students are always busy pinging, 2going
or Facebooking, while lectures are on. The result is that quality time that ought to be
spent on academic research and other productive networking is lost.

2.3 Theoretical frame work /conceptual frame work

Theoretical perspectives are defined as theoretical frameworks concerning a few aspects
of a social or educational phenomenon that can be used as a conceptual model for
explaining the research area.

Given the past theoretical models accessible and investigations of conflicting

discoveries, this writing proposed a conceptual framework from the literature approach
by scholars that well-articulated with the result to social media usage, multitasking of
social media, students’ academic self-efficacy, and students’ academic performance. In
assuring this, Social Cognitive Theory suggested that social media can play an important
role in the formation of self-efficacy and perceived social norms and, secondly, self-
efficacy and perceived social norms can affect the performance of students in the
university. Whereas in view of the Threaded Cognition Theory, change of tasks in social
media by university students ranging from simultaneous multitasking and determine the
frequency with which students change from studying to another task, why they change
and how this affects their ability to perform.

2.4 Gaps identified

As previous studies do not demonstrate a clear direct examine the level of student
addictiveness to social media, how often they use them, how they use them, and how this
is affecting their academic studies. A comparison will also be made between male
students and female students, since much research has shown a difference in SNS
participation based on gender as well as in age.

2.5 Section two summary

There are many issues concerning students in University and social networking site
participation. On one hand, there may be benefits for students who use these sites
properly and appropriately. Other research suggests that there are clear risks involve
when students become too consumed with the Internet and social networking websites. It
was discovered that social networking sites are the most common used social media
networks among students and also Wikipedia has the main resort point for students for
research purposes. Students engage themselves with one activity or the other on the
various social media on day to day activities

Majority of students in University visit at least one social networking site approximately
twenty times each day. Cell phones have been banned from classroom and schools have
blocked many popular social media websites due to the repercussion the social media
might have on the academic performance of students.
CHAPTER THREE
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction

This chapter presents the method and procedure that was applied in this study. It was
organized under the following sub-headings: Research Design, Population of the Study,
Sample and Sampling Technique for Research Instrument, Data types, Method of Data
Collection and inurnments used for data collection.

3.2 Description of the study Area

Wolaita Sodo University is a public university located in Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia. It was
established in 2007 with the aim of providing quality education and research
opportunities to students in the region. The university offers undergraduate and graduate
programs in various fields, including agriculture, engineering, health sciences, social
sciences, and natural sciences.

In terms of technology, Wolaita Sodo University has made significant strides in recent
years. The university has implemented various technologies to enhance the teaching and
learning process, including e-learning platforms, online libraries, and digital classrooms.
The university also provides students with access to modern computer labs equipped
with the latest software and hardware.

Furthermore, Wolaita Sodo University is actively involved in research and innovation,

with a focus on developing technologies that can address local challenges. The university
has established research centers in areas such as renewable energy, water resource
management, and food security. These centers conduct research and development
activities aimed at improving the lives of people in the region.

Overall, Wolaita Sodo University is committed to using technology to provide quality

education and research opportunities to its students while also contributing to the
development of the region through research and innovation.

3.3 Research design (description of the research method adopted)

The research design adopted for the study was a descriptive survey. This design is
considered apt because it enables the researcher to generate data through the
standardized collection procedures based on highly structured research instrument(s) and
well defined study concepts and related variables.

3.4 Description of the total population, sampling technique chosen and

reason and sampling size
Total population

The population in this research are all the full time undergraduate students in Wolaita
Sodo University in 2016 E.C session. The total population comprised 38,000
undergraduate full time students.

Sample and Sampling Technique

A total sample size were selected from the total population of Wolaita Sodo University
in 2016 E.C by using the following formula the formula set by Michael (1960). TO show
mathematically assuming the level of confidence to be 90% and the level of error to be
10%.

N
n=
1+ N ¿ ¿

Where n= total sample size

N=total population

e=sample error (10%)

n=38,000/1+38,000(0.1)2

n=100

A total sample size of 100 students will be randomly select by using Michael (1960)
formula from the total population of 38,000 full-time students in Wolaita Sodo
University.

3.5 Data type and data sources

In this study both primary and secondary type of data will be used.
 3.5.1 Primary data
Primary data include both questionnaire and interview questions. The designing
questionnaires are distributed to different level of Wolaita Sodo University students. The
data through interview is collected from administration faculties.

3.5.2 Secondary data

Secondary data contains manuals, documents; research outputs on similar topic, periodic
and annual report of the University with provide our full information.

3.6 Description of the instruments to be used for data collection

A well-constructed and self-developed questionnaire titled “Social Media and Academic
Performance of Students Questionnaire” will be used to get the desired information from
the students. The questionnaire is divided into two sections (A and B). Section A was for
collection of information on personal data of respondents while Section B consisted of
questions that elicited responses from the respondents with response options: Strongly
Agree (SA), Agree (A), Disagree (D) and Strongly Disagree (SD).

We will collect the needed data through the use of questionnaire, interview
administration in the selected faculties and documents.

3.7 Description of data gathering procedure

The respondents were given privilege of not writing their names and other identity to
them from unwanted approach to be maintained by other group. Furthermore they issued
on the part of treatment would be force to fill the questionnaire unwillingly and without
making the actual purpose of carrying out this research clear to them.

3.8 Description of methods of data analysis and interpretation (quantitative

and qualitative data)
Data Analysis

After the data is collected and organized, it will be present through table. Then the data
will be analyzes qualitatively and quantitatively. The quantitative analyses were through
frequency and percent.

Responses from the questionnaire were analyzed using the descriptive statistics of
frequency counts and percentage, and inferential statistics of Chi-square. Descriptive
statistics of frequency counts and percentages were used in analyzing demographic
variables and research questions while the inferential statistics of Chi-square.
3.9 Section three summary
This study investigated social media and academic performance of the students in
Wolaita Sodo University. The descriptive survey research design was adopted in the
study. A sample of 100 respondents was selected from a population of 38,000 full time
undergraduate students. A simple random sampling technique was used for the selection,
where students were randomly selected from five (5) randomly selected faculties in
Wolaita Sodo University. A self-developed Likert-type scale titled “Social Media and
Academic Performance of Students Questionnaire" thoroughly scrutinized by the project
supervisor was used for data collection. The instrument was validated and found to be
reliable. It was personally administered by the researcher. The data collected were
analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics of frequency count and percentage, and the
hypotheses were tested using the inferential statistics of Chi-square (χ²) at level of
significance.

The results obtained showed that, Students’ addictiveness to social network has a
significant influence on their academic performance; Student’s exposure to social media
network has significant influence on students’ academic performance; Use of social
media has significant influence on the academic performance of the students; there is a
significant influence on student’s usages of social media network by age.
CHAPTER FOUR
WORK PLAN

Time plane

Time plan or time budget is a time table explaining how we will expect to Cary out his
project. It is a plan in a term of months and expects completion. Dates, it will be present
in the table form or charts in the following schedule.

No Research phase Objectives Deadline

1 Title selection To select research topic from May

different sources
1- 5/9/2016
2 Background To find previous research MAY
research and conducted on social media
6-15/9/2016
literature review and student's academic
performance.

3 Proposal To provide clear plan for our MAY

development research on wsu
16-21/9/2016

4 Data collection and We will give the MAY

preparation Questionnaire for selected
22-27/9/2016
sample of student's and
collect our survay
questionnaire from the
selected students.

5 Data analysis Based on collected MAY

questionnaire report present
28/9/2016-5/10/2016
our data graphically.

6 Report writing To present our research. APRIL

6-10/10/2016
Table 1.1 shows us that the schedule when we will start and when will finish
our research.

CHAPTER FIVE
BUDGETING

Budget

The budget of the research can be influenced by the level of funding available from
funding students and administration faculty in Wolaita Sodo University.

No Item to be budgeted Quality Amount in birr

1 Paper 1 pack 500 birr

2 Pen 4 100 birr

3 Flash disk 32 GB 3500 birr

4 Note book 1 100 birr

5 Mobile card 10 1000 birr

6 Binder 4 200 birr

7 Contingency _ 2000 birr

Over all total cost 7400 birr

Table 1.2 shows the above that our budget to be conduct the research.
References
[1] A.C. Karpinski, 2009. “A description of Facebook use and academic performance
among undergraduate and graduate students,” paper presented at the Annual Meeting of
the American Educational Research Association, San Diego, Calif.

[2] Alexander, J. and Salas, G. 2008. Technology for institutional enrollment,

communication, and student success. New Directions for Student Services, 124, 103-116.

[3] Andreas M., Haenlein Michael (2010). "Users of the world, unite! The challenges
and opportunities of social media". Business Horizons 53(1). p.61.
doi:10.1016/j.bushor.2009.09.003.

[4] Ogedebe, P. M., Emmanuel, J. A., & Musa, Y. (2012).A survey on Facebook and
Academic Performance in Nigeria Universities. International Journal of
EngineeringResearch and Applications (IJERA) ISSN: 2248-9622 www. ijera. comVol,
2, 788-797.

[5] Olowu, A. O., & Seri, F. O. (2012). A study of social network addiction among
youths in Nigeria. Journal of Social Science and Policy, Review 4, September 2012.
[6] Olubiyi’S.(2012),social media and Nigeria Youth burden.
http://bluepringng.com/2012/12/social-media-and-nigerian-youth-burdenretrieved
21/05/2013.

[6] Wolaita Sodo University

 APPENDIX
WOLAITA SODO UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

SOCIAL MEDIA AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF

STUDENTS

QUESTIONNAIRE

Dear respondents,

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of Social media on the academic
performance of students in Wolaita Sodo University.
Please read carefully and tick (√) on the boxes appropriate column for each statement as
promptly as possible. All information gathered shall be used purely for research purpose
and shall be treated with confidentiality.

Thanks,

SECTION A (DEMOGRAPHIC DATA)

Faculty: __________________________________

Sex: Male Female

Age: 16 – 20 21 – 25 26 and Above
Level: 100 200 300

SECTION B

SA- Strongly Agree, A- Agree, D- Disagree, SD- Strongly Disagree

N/S ITEMS SA A D AD
STUDENTS ADDICTIVENESS TO SOCIAL
NETWORK AND ACADEMIC
PERFORMANCE
1 Addiction to online social networks is a
problematic issue that affects my academic life.
2 Online social networks distract me from my
studies.
3 Hours spent online can never be compared to the
number of hours I spend reading.
4 There is no improvement in my grades since I
became engaged into these social networking
sites
EXPOSURE OF STUDENTS TO SOCIAL
MEDIA NETWORK AND THEIR ACADEMIC
PERFORMANCE
5 I usually have unlimited access to Facebook and
this has affected my academic performance
negatively.
6 I engage in academic discussions on twitter and
this has improved my academic performance.
7 I make use of WhatsApp to disseminate
knowledge to my class mate.
8 I Solely rely on information gotten from
Wikipedia to do my assignments without
consulting other sources.