Perceived Influence of Social Media on the Social Behaviour of the Students of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State

Abstract

One of the evolutions of Information Technology is social media. The contemporary youth live in a world dominated by social media, thus, many of their behaviours, experiences, as well as opportunities, are determined by their involvement in the use of social media. This study examined the “Perceived Influence of social media on the Social Behaviour of the Students of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo state. The objectives and research questions of the study were developed to find out the knowledge, usage, preferences, purposes and perception of the influences of social media on the social behaviour of the students. Two previous studies which relate to the topic were reviewed. The study was anchored on two Media Effects theories of Communication; Cultivation Analysis Theory and the Social Learning Theory. The Survey research design was adopted with 390 respondents as sample size. Data collected through questionnaire were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study's findings show that social media builds peer relationships among youths, and has both negative and positive influence on their behaviour. Negative impacts include; having no concept of privacy and encouraging exposure to pornography, violence and crimes. The positive influences of social media include; connection with families and friends, creation of new knowledge, online studies with schoolmates, relaxation and entertainment. The respondents agreed that the positive influence of social media on their behaviour far outweighs negative behaviours. Therefore, close monitor is recommended, to help limit exposure to the negative influences of social media on the behaviour of the youth while encouraging exposure and maximization of the positive influences of social media.