KWARA STATE POLYTECHNIC,

ILORIN
INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION
TECHNOLOGY (IICT)
AN ENGLISH LANGUAGE PRESENTATION ASSIGNMENT

PRESENTATION TOPIC:
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE ACADEMIC
PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS

SUBMITTED TO:

SUBMITTED BY:
ND/21/COM/PT/269 ND/21/COM/PT/146
ND/21/COM/PT/081 ND/21/COM/PT/166
ND/21/COM/PT/059 ND/21/COM/PT/167
ND/21/COM/PT/033 ND/21/COM/PT/316
ND/21/COM/PT/003 ND/21/COM/PT/234
ND/21/COM/PT/312 ND/21/COM/PT/253
ND/21/COM/PT/130
ND/21/COM/PT/286
ND/21/COM/PT/049
ND/21/COM/PT/135
ND/21/COM/PT/146
 THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE ACADEMIC
PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS
Social media has become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, and its impact on
academic performance has been a subject of debate among educators and
researchers. The proliferation of social media platforms has led to a shift in the
way students learn, interact and engage with academic content. On the one hand,
social media can be a valuable tool for enhancing academic performance,
providing students with access to a wealth of information and resources at their
fingertips. Social media can be a significant distraction, with students spending
hours scrolling through feeds, chatting with friends, and engaging with non-
academic content.

Given the growing importance of social media in our daily lives, it is essential to
understand the pros and cons of its use in academic settings. This comprehensive
review aims to explore the impact of social media on academic performance,
examining the latest research and providing insights into the ways in which social
media can both help and hinder academic achievement.

Here are some of the ways social media can affect academic performance:

 Distraction: Social media can be a significant distraction for students, as it

can divert their attention away from studying and completing assignments.
With the constant notifications, likes, and messages, students may find it
difficult to stay focused on academic tasks.

 Time management: Social media can be a time-consuming activity, and

students may spend excessive amounts of time scrolling through their feeds,
 watching videos, or chatting with friends. This can lead to poor time
management and a lack of focus on academic work.

 Information overload: Social media platforms are inundated with

information, much of which is irrelevant or inaccurate. This can lead to
students becoming overwhelmed with information and struggling to filter
out relevant and reliable sources for their academic research.

 Cyberbullying: Social media platforms can also be a source of

cyberbullying, which can negatively impact a student’s mental health and
academic performance.

 Collaboration and learning: On the other hand, social media can also be a
useful tool for collaboration and learning. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter,
and LinkedIn can provide opportunities for students to connect with peers
and professionals in their field of study, share information, and collaborate
on projects.

One of the most significant ways that social media can affect academic
performance is through distraction. Social media platforms are designed to be
addictive, and students can easily get sucked into checking their feeds, messaging
friends, or watching videos for hours on end. This can lead to a lack of focus,
reduced productivity, and poor time management skills.

Another way that social media can affect academic performance is through sleep
deprivation. Many students stay up late at night scrolling through social media,
which can interfere with their sleep patterns. Lack of sleep can result in poor
concentration, reduced memory function, and decreased academic performance.

However, on the other hand, social media can also be a distraction and can lead to
poor academic performance. For example, students may spend too much time on
social media, leading to procrastination and poor time management. Additionally,
social media can be a source of stress and anxiety, particularly if students are
exposed to negative or stressful content on these platforms.

Social media can also affect the mental health of students, which can impact their
academic performance. Studies have shown that excessive social media use can
lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress, all of which can make it difficult
for students to focus on their studies.

Another issue is the spread of misinformation on social media, which can be

particularly harmful when it comes to academic research. Students may be misled
by inaccurate information, which can lead to them performing poorly in their
academic work.

Overall, social media can be a double-edged sword when it comes to academic

performance. While it can be a great tool for networking and staying connected, it
is important for students to be aware of its drawbacks and use it responsibly.

POSITIVE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON LEARNING

However, social media can also have some positive effects on academic
performance. For example, social media can be a useful tool for collaboration and
communication between students and teachers. It can also provide access to
educational resources and support networks, which can help students improve their
academic performance.

Moreover, social media can help students develop their communication and
networking skills. These skills are essential in today’s job market, and students
who have experience using social media to connect with others may have an
advantage when it comes to finding employment after graduation.

The impact of social media on academic performance is a complex and multi-

faceted issue. There are many factors that can influence how social media affects a
student’s academic performance, including the amount of time spent on social
media, the types of activities engaged in on social media, and the individual
characteristics and habits of the student.

Social media can provide a platform for students to showcase their work and
accomplishments. Online portfolios and social media profiles can be used to
highlight academic achievements and skills, which can be useful when applying
for jobs or internships.

On the one hand, social media can provide students with a wealth of information
and resources that can be useful for their academic pursuits. For example, social
media platforms can be used to connect with classmates and professors, share ideas
and collaborate on projects, and access academic resources and materials.

Overall, the impact of social media on academic performance is a complex issue

that depends on many factors. While social media can be a useful tool for academic
success, it is important for students to use these platforms in a responsible and
balanced way in order to achieve their academic goals.
 Social media can have both positive and negative impacts on academic
performance, depending on how it is used. It is up to students to use social media
responsibly, manage their time effectively, and strike a balance between academic
work and social media use. Educators and parents can also play a role in helping
students understand the potential impacts of social media and develop healthy
habits around its use.

STRATEGIES FOR LIMITING SOCIAL MEDIA DISTRACTIONS

Social media can be a major distraction to students, often leading to decreased

academic performance. However, there are several strategies that can help limit
social media distractions and improve academic performance.

One strategy is to set specific times during the day to check social media. This can
be done during breaks or after completing important tasks. Using apps that limit
social media use or block certain sites during study hours can also be helpful.

Another strategy is to create a designated study space that is free from distractions.
This can be a quiet room or a designated area in a library. Turning off notifications
and putting phones on silent can also help limit distractions during study sessions.

It’s also important to set goals and prioritize tasks to stay focused. Creating a to-do
list or using a planner can help keep students on track and avoid procrastination,
which often leads to social media distractions.

Finally, taking breaks is important for maintaining focus and productivity. Instead
of turning to social media during breaks, students can engage in physical activities,
such as going for a walk, or practicing mindfulness exercises to recharge and
refocus. By using these strategies, students can limit social media distractions and
improve their academic performance.

THE ROLE OF PARENTS AND EDUCATORS IN MANAGING SOCIAL

MEDIA USE

Parents and educators play a crucial role in managing social media use among
students. While social media can have numerous benefits, it can also be a major
distraction for students and can negatively impact their academic performance if
not managed properly. It is important for parents and educators to have open and
honest conversations with students about the potential risks and benefits of social
media use.

Parents can set guidelines and boundaries for their children’s social media use,
such as setting time limits or restricting access during certain times of the day.
Educators can also play a role in managing social media use by incorporating it
into the curriculum and teaching students how to use it responsibly.

It is also important for parents and educators to stay informed about the latest
social media platforms and trends to better understand the potential risks and
benefits for students. By working together, parents and educators can help students
navigate the complex world of social media and use it in a way that supports their
academic success.

In conclusion, social media can have both positive and negative impacts on
students’ academic performance. It is important for students to develop healthy
social media habits, such as setting time limits, prioritizing sleep, and taking breaks
from social media when necessary. Teachers and parents can also play a role in
helping students manage their social media use and supporting their academic
success.