IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIECE UDUS

Abstract

This study examined the impact of social media on the academic performance of students in the Department of Library and Information Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The study aimed to determine the types of social media platforms most frequently used by LIS students, identify their purposes for using them, assess the influence of social media on their academic performance, and highlight the challenges encountered in its use. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to LIS students across all levels. The data collected were analyzed using simple percentages and frequency tables. The findings revealed that WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, and Telegram are the most commonly used platforms. The majority of students utilize social media for academic communication, collaborative learning, information sharing, and research activities. The study further revealed that social media has positively influenced students’ academic performance by facilitating easy access to learning resources, enhancing academic collaboration, and improving research engagement. However, challenges such as distraction, poor time management, high data costs, and misinformation were found to hinder its effective use. The study concludes that social media, when effectively utilized, serves as a vital tool for academic success and professional development among LIS students. It recommends that students be trained on digital literacy and time management skills to maximize the academic benefits of social media while minimizing its negative effects.