An assessment of the effects of social media on students’ academic engagement in secondary schools in Jos South LGA, Plateau State.
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Social media has rapidly become an influential force in the lives of adolescents, particularly in secondary schools where students are both avid users and content creators. In Jos South LGA, Plateau State, social media platforms have emerged as significant spaces for communication, information exchange, and social interaction. While these platforms offer opportunities for collaborative learning and access to diverse educational resources, they also pose challenges that may affect academic engagement. Recent research suggests that excessive use of social media can lead to reduced attention spans, distraction during study periods, and a decline in academic performance (Eze, 2023). Conversely, some studies have highlighted the potential for social media to enhance academic engagement by providing interactive and dynamic learning experiences (Ibrahim, 2024). In Jos South LGA, the rapid increase in internet accessibility and smartphone ownership among secondary school students has amplified both the benefits and the risks associated with social media use. Educators have reported mixed outcomes, with some students demonstrating improved digital literacy and collaborative skills, while others struggle with balancing online activities with academic responsibilities. Furthermore, the informal nature of social media communication can sometimes blur the boundaries between academic discussions and leisure, leading to distractions that interfere with learning (Okafor, 2024). The background of this study centers on understanding how social media influences students’ academic engagement in secondary schools, taking into account both its positive and negative dimensions. It is critical to examine the extent to which these digital platforms either complement or detract from formal educational activities. Moreover, the study seeks to explore the mechanisms by which social media impacts various aspects of academic engagement, including classroom participation, homework completion, and overall academic motivation. By delving into these issues, the research aims to provide a nuanced perspective that can inform educators and policymakers about how to harness the benefits of social media while mitigating its adverse effects. This investigation is particularly timely as the digital landscape continues to evolve, shaping the educational experiences of today’s youth (Akanbi, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
The pervasive use of social media among secondary school students in Jos South LGA has raised concerns about its potential negative impact on academic engagement. Although social media platforms offer valuable opportunities for collaboration and information sharing, they also present significant distractions that may hinder students’ academic progress. One of the key problems is that students often allocate excessive time to online activities, which detracts from time spent on homework, revision, and classroom engagement (Uche, 2023). This overuse has been linked to a decline in academic performance and lower levels of student participation in academic discussions. Additionally, the content encountered on social media is not always educational, and exposure to inappropriate or non-academic material can further detract from learning. Teachers have observed that some students display diminished concentration during lessons, attributing this to the habit of constantly checking social media updates. Furthermore, the informal communication style promoted by social media may negatively influence students’ academic writing and critical thinking skills. The problem is compounded by a lack of effective strategies from educators to integrate social media into the learning process in a constructive manner (Bassey, 2024). Consequently, there is a pressing need to examine how social media affects academic engagement and to identify measures that can help balance its use with academic responsibilities. Without targeted interventions, the growing reliance on social media is likely to continue to undermine academic performance and engagement, posing a challenge to the educational objectives of secondary schools in Jos South LGA (Chukwu, 2023). This study, therefore, seeks to explore the dual-edged nature of social media in educational settings and to propose strategies that can enhance its positive aspects while curbing its detrimental effects on academic engagement.
Objectives of the Study
- To evaluate the influence of social media on academic engagement among secondary school students.
- To identify the factors contributing to social media-induced distractions in academic settings.
- To propose strategies that integrate social media use with academic objectives.
Research Questions
- How does social media usage affect academic engagement in secondary schools?
- What are the primary distractions associated with social media among students?
- How can social media be effectively integrated into educational practices to enhance academic engagement?
Research Hypotheses
- Excessive social media use is negatively correlated with academic engagement.
- The distraction caused by social media significantly reduces classroom participation.
- Structured integration of social media in the curriculum enhances academic engagement.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it investigates the complex effects of social media on students’ academic engagement in secondary schools. By elucidating both the challenges and opportunities presented by digital platforms, the research will inform educators and policymakers on developing effective strategies to balance social media use with academic demands. The findings are expected to promote digital literacy while ensuring that academic engagement is maintained, ultimately contributing to enhanced educational outcomes in Jos South LGA (Ike, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study is limited to secondary schools in Jos South LGA, Plateau State, and focuses exclusively on the effects of social media on academic engagement. Limitations include potential self-report bias and the dynamic nature of social media trends.
Definitions of Terms
- Social Media: Digital platforms that facilitate communication, information sharing, and social interaction.
- Academic Engagement: The level of participation, interest, and commitment a student exhibits towards academic activities.
- Digital Literacy: The ability to effectively use digital tools and technologies for learning and communication.
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