Influence of Social Media Usage on Academic Performance of Students in Adamawa State College of Health Science and Technology, Michika

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of social media usage on the academic performance of students in Adamawa State College of Health Science and Technology, Michika. With the proliferation of digital platforms among Nigerian students, understanding how these tools impact learning outcomes has become increasingly important.
A sample of 150 students across nine departments, including Pharmacy Technicians, Medical Laboratory Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Health Education and Promotion was surveyed using structured questionnaires. The study employed descriptive statistics, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, and regression analysis to examine the relationship between social media usage patterns and cumulative grade point average (CGPA). Findings revealed that academic-oriented social media usage (e.g., WhatsApp, YouTube, and Telegram) positively correlated with higher CGPAs, particularly among students in technical departments. In contrast, entertainment-driven usage (e.g., TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat) showed a significant negative correlation with academic performance. Social interaction usage had no statistically significant effect. The results underscore the importance of intentional digital engagement and suggest that the academic impact of social media depends largely on how students utilize these platforms. The study concludes that while social media is a pervasive tool among students, its influence on academic success is shaped by purpose and discipline. Recommendations include integrating digital literacy into curricula, promoting academic use of social media, and establishing mentorship programs to guide responsible usage.