THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON
ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF
STUDENTS
PAGE 1
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
, 1.1 Background of the Study
In recent years, social media has become one of the most influential tools in the lives of
students across the world. Platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter (X),
TikTok, YouTube, and Telegram have transformed how people communicate, share
information, and interact socially. Students, in particular, are among the most active users of
social media due to its ease of access, affordability, and ability to connect people instantly
regardless of distance.
Social media was originally created to improve communication and information sharing.
However, its rapid growth has gone beyond communication alone. Today, it plays a
significant role in education, entertainment, business, and social life. Many students use
social media for academic purposes such as online learning, research, group discussions,
and sharing academic materials. At the same time, excessive use of social media has raised
concerns among parents, teachers, and educational stakeholders regarding its possible
negative effects on students’ academic performance.
Academic performance refers to how well students meet educational goals, often measured
through tests, examinations, assignments, and overall grades. With the increasing use of
smartphones and internet-enabled devices, students now spend a large portion of their time
on social media. This has created a debate on whether social media enhances or hinders
students’ academic success.
Some scholars argue that social media supports learning by providing access to educational
resources, encouraging collaboration, and improving communication between students and
teachers. Others believe that social media distracts students, reduces study time, affects
concentration, and leads to poor academic outcomes. This mixed perception makes it
necessary to carefully examine the impact of social media on students’ academic
performance.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite the benefits associated with social media, there is growing concern about its
excessive use among students. Many students spend long hours scrolling through social
media platforms, chatting with friends, watching videos, and engaging in non-academic
activities. This habit may reduce the time available for studying, completing assignments,
and preparing for examinations.
Teachers and parents have observed a decline in students’ attention span, reading culture,
and classroom participation, which some attribute to excessive social media usage. In some
cases, students become addicted to social media, checking notifications constantly even
during lectures or study time. This behavior may negatively affect their academic focus and
performance.
On the other hand, banning or discouraging social media use completely may not be
realistic, as these platforms also provide educational benefits. The problem, therefore, lies in
understanding how social media use affects academic performance and determining
ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF
STUDENTS
PAGE 1
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
, 1.1 Background of the Study
In recent years, social media has become one of the most influential tools in the lives of
students across the world. Platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter (X),
TikTok, YouTube, and Telegram have transformed how people communicate, share
information, and interact socially. Students, in particular, are among the most active users of
social media due to its ease of access, affordability, and ability to connect people instantly
regardless of distance.
Social media was originally created to improve communication and information sharing.
However, its rapid growth has gone beyond communication alone. Today, it plays a
significant role in education, entertainment, business, and social life. Many students use
social media for academic purposes such as online learning, research, group discussions,
and sharing academic materials. At the same time, excessive use of social media has raised
concerns among parents, teachers, and educational stakeholders regarding its possible
negative effects on students’ academic performance.
Academic performance refers to how well students meet educational goals, often measured
through tests, examinations, assignments, and overall grades. With the increasing use of
smartphones and internet-enabled devices, students now spend a large portion of their time
on social media. This has created a debate on whether social media enhances or hinders
students’ academic success.
Some scholars argue that social media supports learning by providing access to educational
resources, encouraging collaboration, and improving communication between students and
teachers. Others believe that social media distracts students, reduces study time, affects
concentration, and leads to poor academic outcomes. This mixed perception makes it
necessary to carefully examine the impact of social media on students’ academic
performance.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite the benefits associated with social media, there is growing concern about its
excessive use among students. Many students spend long hours scrolling through social
media platforms, chatting with friends, watching videos, and engaging in non-academic
activities. This habit may reduce the time available for studying, completing assignments,
and preparing for examinations.
Teachers and parents have observed a decline in students’ attention span, reading culture,
and classroom participation, which some attribute to excessive social media usage. In some
cases, students become addicted to social media, checking notifications constantly even
during lectures or study time. This behavior may negatively affect their academic focus and
performance.
On the other hand, banning or discouraging social media use completely may not be
realistic, as these platforms also provide educational benefits. The problem, therefore, lies in
understanding how social media use affects academic performance and determining
