The Effect of Social Media Usage on the Academic Performance of Grade 12 Students of Addis Ketema Preparatory School, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Social networking sites (SNSs) have become an integral part of the daily lives of people across all
age groups, especially among students. This study sought to determine how social media affected
the academic performance of Addis Ketema Preparatory School's grade 12 pupils. The study
combined qualitative and quantitative research methods with a descriptive and explanatory
research design. The data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using STATA 14
software, employing regression and correlation analyses. To make sure the data adhered to the
fundamental presumptions of the linear regression model, diagnostic tests were carried out. The
study used the student's academic performance (national exam score) as the dependent variable
and the student's and their parents’ demographic variables and the time spent by the student on
social media per day as independent variables. The regression analysis revealed that the time
spent by the student on social media had a negative impact on their academic performance.
Additionally, gender was found to have a significant impact on students’ academic performance.
Based on the findings, it is suggested that students be made aware of the adverse effects of
excessive use of social media and encouraged to use it for productive engagement. Parents,
teachers, and government officials also have a responsibility to train and educate students on the
proper and disciplined use of social media, particularly for educational purposes.