Abstracts
This thesis investigates the impact of social networking sites (SNSs) on the academic
performance of Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) 3rd-year students in Kathmandu, with a
focus on students in the suburban area between Boudha and Jorpati. The research employs a
qualitative approach, using case studies and in-depth interviews to capture the nuanced
experiences of students who have been using SNSs for 4 to 9 years. By examining how SNSs
affect academic engagement, self-regulation, social interactions, and mental well-being, the
study reveals a dual impact: SNSs offer educational advantages by facilitating information
sharing, collaboration, and access to academic resources, yet they also serve as significant
distractions that can impair academic focus and productivity. Additionally, the research finds
that students from rural backgrounds who have moved to Kathmandu experience SNSs
differently, often seeing them as gateways to a broader social world but also struggling to
balance this with academic responsibilities. This study addresses the existing research gap on
SNSs' effects on higher education students in Nepal, especially within the unique sociocultural
context of Kathmandu’s suburban colleges. Findings indicate that while SNSs can support
learning and peer connection, they demand effective self-regulation to prevent adverse effects on
academic outcomes. The thesis ultimately provides recommendations for educational institutions
to implement strategies that promote responsible SNS use, enhancing academic performance
while mitigating risks.
Keywords: (Social networking sites, academic performance, self-regulation, BBS 3rd-year
students, qualitative research, Kathmandu, educational impact, social media distractions).
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this M.A. thesis entitled “Impact of Social Networking Sites on Students'
Academic Performance” submitted by me, Salima Lama, to the Faculty of Humanities and Social
Sciences, Tribhuvan University, Nepal, is an entirely original work completed under the supervi-
sion and guidance of Mr. Samrat Sharma. The results and findings presented in this thesis have
not been previously presented or submitted anywhere else for the award of any degree or for any
other purposes. I take full responsibility if any evidence is found contradicting this declaration.
………………..
Salima Lama
