Use of Social Networking Sites among Undergraduate Students of Delta State University, Abraka

Abstract

Social networking sites are regarded as popular social media platforms that have rapidly changed the communication setting of today’s social world. Today social networking sites have been accepted by higher institution making it a platform where students connect with their lecturers, fellow students and other higher authorities across the board. This therefore called for the study to investigate the use of social networking sites among undergraduates of Delta State University. The study employed descriptive research design, by asking 300 undergraduates across various faculties of the institution questions on their preferred social networking sites and their purpose of using social networking sites. The 300 undergraduates were selected through the systematic random sampling method from a population of 5, 300 undergraduates of the institution. The findings revealed that the students widely make use of social networking sites; however, the most preferred social networking sites used are Face book, Whats App, Twitter and YouTube. The least used social networking site as indicated by the students is My Space. As regards to the purpose of using social networking sites, the findings indicates that private messaging, photo upload and video sharing were the main purposes for which the students use social networking sites. It is important to state that this study was conducted in a single academic institution; therefore, findings may not be applicable and reasonable to be generalized on all academic institutions. However, students’ motivation that will enable students use varieties of social networking sites is highly recommended. In conclusion, students should also be motivated to use social networking sites as platforms for academic discussions such as for assignment and other course related works as well as receive and send academic information among their peers.