An Examination of the Effects of Social Media on Students’ Academic Performance in Geography in Senior Secondary Schools in Bade Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study explores the influence of social media on the academic performance of geography students in Senior Secondary Schools within Bade Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria. Using a structured survey, data were collected from 100 randomly selected geography students, representing the study population. The findings reveal that students frequently access social media platforms, dedicating moderate amounts of time to browsing educational content, particularly through popular platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook. While social media serves as a valuable resource for academic research, the time students allocate to academic use remains insufficient. The study highlights both the positive and negative implications of social media usage on academic performance, emphasizing its potential as a tool for enhancing education if utilized effectively. Recommendations include increased student engagement with educational content on social media, the integration of internet facilities in schools, and a focus on regulating social media use to maximize its educational benefits. These insights contribute to understanding the evolving role of social media in the academic pursuits of secondary school students.