Use Of Social Media And Its Impact On Students’ Academic Performance

Abstract

Social media is an important tool for information exchange and sharing ideas and thoughts through virtual networks. Considering its ubiquity, especially in young people, its presence in the society is huge. The main aims of the proposed study were to establish the perceptions of students regarding the effect of social media in their academic performance and to analyze the effect of these tools on their academic performance in a more specific manner. The study used a quantitative and descriptive technique in analyzing the data. The study used a population of 100 students, and a sample of 80 students was sampled by use of simple random sampling of the Government Viqar-un-Nisa Graduate College of Women in Rawalpindi. The primary tool of the study was a questionnaire, the reliability of which was proved by Cronbach's alpha of 0.841. Data analysis was done by using inferential statistics, namely a correlation test. The conclusion drawn in the analysis was that social media could help the students with the studies positively, and that the students do view the social networking as a necessity in the modern world. The research, however, also suggested that social media can be a distraction, which has a negative impact on academic work. Some of the recommendations include parents and school counselors who can be involved in keeping the students informed of the impacts of social media on their academic performance either negatively or positively.