Perceived Influence of Online Social Networks on Academic Performance: A study of Undergraduates in Selected Universities in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the perceived influence of online social networks on undergraduates’ academic performance using data from a descriptive survey of 402 respondents from Babcock University, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, and Olabisi Onanbanjo University. Questionnaire was used for data collection. 402 copies of the questionnaire were distributed and a total of 282 were recovered giving a response rate of 70.15%. Data collected were analysed using frequency and percentage counts. Results revealed that majority of the respondents make use of online social networks even though motivation for use is more for social interaction than academic purposes. Most of the respondents, however, agreed that the use of online social networks have positive influence on their academic performance. Based on these findings, the study concluded by  recommending, among others, that time spent on online social networks should be devoted more to academic than social activities in order to maximize its education potentials.