Influence of Internet Utilization for Social Networking on Students Academic Studies in the University of Benin, Nigeria

Abstract

Observations have shown that youths generally and students in particular are obsessed in social networking. This study therefore examined how social networking influence Entrepreneurship Students’ academic studies in the University of Benin. Three research questions guided the study. A total number of about 300 undergraduate students constituted the study population and 100 were randomly selected as sample representative for the study. The survey research design was adopted and a 40-item structured questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. Focus group discussion was equally used to elicit information from some respondents. The instrument was validated by 3 experts from entrepreneurship, computer and measurement and evaluation departments and it was tested to be highly reliable using Cronbach Alpha and a reliability value of 0.84 was obtained. The data collected were analyzed using the mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions and determine the homogeneity of the respondents’ opinions. The findings revealed among others that the respondents use internet frequently for social networking and it promotes their information and communication skills thereby stimulates their critical and functional thinking to problem solving approach. Also that it affects the academic studies of those who are obsessed and addicted to it usage negatively. Against this backdrop it was recommended among others that effort should be made to redirect students’ focus and interest on internet utilization by educating them on social media usage to promote their academic studies and in particular Educators should use it to reschedule lectures and give students assignments to ensure its purposeful usage to the students’ advantage. In addition, Government should provide information and communication technology (ICT) facilities/equipment to enable more effective teaching/learning process in a technological driven world.

Key Words: Internet Utilization, Social Networking, Academic Studies