Digital Distractions and Learning: A Study of Social Media Impact on Tertiary Students in Gombe

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of social media on the academic performance of Nigeria students. The study finds that over-utilization of the media affects the performance of the students negatively. The study utilizes mixed-method research that includes qualitative and quantitative research that examines the complaints of students and the effect of a platform like WhatsApp and Facebook on students and their marks. A stratified random sample of 300 students in different tertiary institutions within Gombe state was selected. With the help of SLT and CLT, this research sought to define the association between social media usage and academic performance. The traditional learning theory studies the effects of social media on student capability and peer interactions. The cognitive load theory studies how overloaded cognitive processing as a result of too much social media use has a detrimental effect on concentration and learning ability. To collect data, researchers used questionnaires. Both qualitative and quantitative data were received regarding the use of social media, favourite platforms and its impact on academic performance. Frequencies and percentages were used to examine the data. The findings suggest that while social media is beneficial for communication and access to learning resources, overuse causes serious distractions whereby students lose focus in their lecture and studying sessions. The social media should be used by one and all in a reasonable way. Thus it will not affect academic performance.