UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL REHABILITATION

A TERM PAPER WRITTEN IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR

THE COURSE GSP 101 (USE OF ENGLISH)

TOPIC: SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE ON THE ACADEMICS OF NEWLY ADMITTED

STUDENTS

BY

BASSEY, GOODNESS EMMANUEL

202440022289HA

TITLE PAGE
The Influence of Social Media on the Academics of Newly Admitted Students
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DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to God almighty

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I am grateful to my family for their love and support and encouragement throughout the
production of this work. Special appreciation goes to my friend, Favour for her constant help and
guidance. My deepest appreciation goes to my lecturer, , who made sure we understood every
bit of.....teachings. May the good Lord bless and reward you abundantly.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page — — — — — — — — — — — — — — ii
Dedication — — — — — — — — — — — — — — iii
Acknowledgment — — — — — — — — — — — — — iv
Table of contents — — — — — — — — — — — — — v
Preface — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — vi
CHAPTER ONE — — — — — — — — — — — — — 1
Introduction — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 1
Understanding The Role of Social media in Student Life — — — — — 1
CHAPTER TWO — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
3
Positive Contributions of Social Media to Academic Performance — — — 3
Negative Implications of Social Media on Academic Performance — — — 5
Psychological and Behavioral Dimensions — — — — — — — — 6
CHAPTER THREE — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
8
Moderating Factors Influencing Impact — — — — — — — — — 8
Strategies for Responsible Social Media Use — — — — — — — — 9
CHAPTER FOUR — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
11
Conclusion — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
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References — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
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PREFACE
This term paper examines the multifaceted impact of social media on the academic performance
of newly admitted university students. In the context of contemporary higher education, the
proliferation of digital technologies—particularly social networking platforms—has significantly
transformed the ways in which students engage with academic content, peers, and institutional
structures.
The purpose of this study is to provide a balanced exploration of both the constructive and
adverse effects of social media use among first-year students. Given the transitional nature of the
early university experience, it is imperative to understand how digital engagement shapes
academic behaviors, performance, and overall adaptation to tertiary education.
This work draws on current literature, empirical studies, and theoretical perspectives to
contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding digital media and academic development. It is
anticipated that the findings presented herein will be of value to students, educators, and
policymakers seeking to promote responsible and effective use of social media within academic
contexts.

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
Social media can be defined as a collection of internet-based platforms and tools that enable
users to create, share, and exchange information, ideas, and multimedia content within virtual
communities and networks. These platforms facilitate real-time interaction and collaboration
among individuals or groups through user-generated content, often blurring the boundaries
between content consumers and producers (Kaplan & Haenlein, 2010). Examples include
platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube, which
play a significant role in communication, education, marketing, and social interaction.
In recent years, the use of social media has expanded dramatically across the globe. Among
university students, particularly those newly admitted into higher institutions, social media has
become both a lifeline and a potential pitfall. While it offers an innovative way to connect, learn,
and grow socially and academically, it also presents distractions that can negatively influence
study habits and overall academic performance.
Platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook dominate the digital lives of
students, shaping their academic experience in ways that warrant critical examination. This paper
investigates the mixed effects of social media on the academic performance of newly admitted
students, aiming to present a balanced view by exploring both the positive and negative
dimensions of its influence.

UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN STUDENT LIFE

Newly admitted university students experience a significant shift in their social and academic
environments. They transition from the structured learning models of secondary education into a
more autonomous and resource-driven university culture. Social media often becomes their
primary channel for building friendships, seeking academic support, and exploring campus life.
The initial excitement and uncertainty of this phase make students especially vulnerable to both
the empowering and detrimental aspects of digital interaction.
Social media serves multiple roles: a communication tool, an entertainment source, a
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news outlet, a study aid, and a platform for self-expression. The appeal lies in its accessibility
and immediacy. Students can easily coordinate group assignments via WhatsApp, learn from
TikTok study tips, or follow academic influencers on Instagram. However, these same platforms
can pull students into time-wasting loops and encourage comparison-driven anxiety.
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CHAPTER TWO

POSITIVE CONTRIBUTIONS OF SOCIAL MEDIA TO ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Several studies highlight the educational advantages of social media when used constructively.
For instance, Junco (2012) found a positive correlation between students’ academic engagement
and their use of Facebook for educational purposes. First-year students, who often struggle to
adjust to new teaching methods and academic expectations, can benefit from the collaborative
tools offered by social platforms.
Students frequently use social media to:
Share resources and notes in group chats
Access video tutorials on YouTube
Join virtual study groups on Telegram or WhatsApp
Follow pages that promote academic success strategies
Receive reminders about deadlines, lectures, and school events
These practices help create a sense of academic community, which can mitigate feelings of
isolation and boost morale. Additionally, the interactivity of social media encourages active
participation, which has been linked to better retention of knowledge.
Platforms such as LinkedIn also provide career-related exposure for students, including those in
their first year. They can follow industry leaders, join professional groups, and explore
internships or scholarship opportunities. This exposure can inspire academic commitment and
long-term goal setting. Studies by Greenhow and Robelia (2009) emphasize how informal
learning through social networks can complement formal education by increasing digital and
academic literacy.
Social media has also enabled real-time engagement between students and educators. Platforms
such as Twitter and Discord are used by instructors to post updates, host discussions, or extend
office hours in virtual formats. This increased accessibility and communication foster academic
support beyond traditional classrooms (Manca & Ranieri, 2016).Others include:
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1. Promotion of Collaborative Learning
Tools like Google Docs, shared folders, and Discord allow for real-time collaboration on
assignments or projects.
2. Encourages Digital Literacy
Regular engagement with online platforms improves students’ ability to research, evaluate digital
sources, and communicate in modern academic environments.
3. Exposure to International Perspectives
Students can join global forums or academic groups that broaden their understanding and
encourage cross-cultural learning.
4. Increased Motivation Through Online Challenges
Academic or productivity challenges (like #100DaysOfCode or #StudyWithMe trends) can
inspire and motivate students to stay disciplined.
5. Immediate Feedback
Students often receive faster responses to academic questions from peers or tutors on social
media than through traditional methods.
6. The Role of Social Media in Peer Support and Academic Adjustment
The transition to university can be socially and academically overwhelming for many students.
Social media offers platforms where students can find peer support and advice. These online
communities help new students build networks that contribute to their sense of belonging and
adjustment, which are key predictors of academic success (Tinto, 1993).
7. Influence on Research and Access to Academic Materials
Social media also serves as an informal research tool. Students often discover relevant articles,
videos, and online discussions through platforms like Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and
academic-themed YouTube channels. Such accessibility supports continuous learning and
complements traditional academic resources.

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NEGATIVE IMPLICATIONS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Despite these benefits, there is considerable evidence that excessive or inappropriate use of
social media can harm students' academic outcomes. Kirschner and Karpinski (2010) noted that
students who frequently used Facebook had significantly lower GPAs than those who used it less
often. This is primarily attributed to distraction, multitasking, and poor time management.
First-year students, who are still learning to navigate academic independence, often struggle to
set boundaries for social media use. Hours spent scrolling through Instagram or watching TikTok
videos can replace valuable study time. More critically, the constant influx of notifications and
content fragments the student’s attention, reducing the depth of learning and focus required for
complex tasks.
Furthermore, social media can foster anxiety and reduce self-esteem, particularly when students
compare their academic progress with peers. This emotional toll can result in academic
disengagement, procrastination, and even burnout.
Research by Lepp, Barkley, and Karpinski (2015) found that smartphone use, heavily influenced
by social media activity, is inversely related to GPA. Additionally, Rosen et al. (2013) revealed
that frequent interruptions via social media notifications during study time correlated with poorer
test performance. Others include:
1. Academic Dishonesty
Easy sharing of answers and academic materials may encourage cheating or plagiarism.
2. Reduced Deep Focus
The constant switching between apps and notifications can diminish students’ ability to engage
in deep, uninterrupted study sessions.
3. Dependency on Unverified Information
Students may rely on unqualified social media influencers for study advice or content, which can
lead to misinformation.
4. Distortion of Academic Priorities
Social media can shift focus toward social validation and online presence, reducing
time and energy for academic responsibilities.
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5. Cyberbullying and Peer Pressure
Negative interactions online can affect mental health, confidence, and willingness to engage in
classroom settings.
6. Loss of Interest in Physical Learning Environments
Overreliance on digital interaction may reduce participation in in-person classes or academic
events.
7. Privacy Risks
Sharing academic discussions or documents on public platforms could lead to data breaches or
academic integrity issues.
8. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and Academic Distraction
Fear of missing out (FOMO) compels students to constantly check their feeds, disrupting
academic routines. Social comparison fueled by curated content can lead to stress, distraction,
and disengagement from coursework.
9. Decline in Writing and Communication Skills
The informal nature of social media can negatively impact students' academic writing. Overuse
of abbreviations, emojis, and casual language may lead to a decline in formal writing
proficiency, which is critical during university-level assessments.

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIORAL DIMENSIONS

The psychological impact of social media use among students cannot be overstated. Platforms
are designed to be addictive, utilizing likes, shares, and algorithm-driven feeds to keep users
engaged. For first-year students already facing stress from adapting to a new academic
environment, the addictive nature of these platforms can lead to escapism rather than academic
productivity.
Excessive screen time has been linked to poor sleep patterns, reduced academic motivation, and
higher levels of stress and anxiety. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with circadian
rhythms, leading to sleep deprivation, which in turn negatively affects concentration, memory,
and class attendance.
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In addition, the rise of influencer culture on social media promotes unrealistic lifestyles
and achievements. This can lead to constant self-comparison and a distorted sense of success,
which may discourage students who are still finding their academic footing. This aligns with the
findings of Woods and Scott (2016), who reported that prolonged social media use contributed to
lower self-worth and depressive symptoms among university students.

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CHAPTER THREE

MODERATING FACTORS INFLUENCING IMPACT

The effects of social media are not uniform. Several moderating factors determine whether its
influence will be beneficial or detrimental to academic performance:
1. Purpose of Use: Using social media for academic collaboration and knowledge sharing is
generally beneficial, while using it primarily for entertainment tends to correlate with poorer
outcomes.
2. Time Spent: Excessive time spent on social media increases the risk of distraction and lowers
academic achievement.
3. Platform Choice: Some platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, YouTube) are more academically inclined,
while others (e.g., TikTok, Snapchat) are more likely to promote non-academic content.
4. Digital Literacy: Students who understand how to use digital tools effectively and mindfully
are more likely to benefit from them.
5. Personality and Self-Control: Students with high self-regulation skills are better at balancing
social media and academic demands.
6. Socioeconomic Background: Students from more privileged backgrounds may have better
access to academic resources online, shaping how they use social media for educational purposes
(Selwyn, 2009).
Platform-Specific Impacts
Different platforms shape behavior in different ways:
WhatsApp and Telegram are frequently used for study group discussions and resource sharing.
YouTube is used for tutorials and lectures.
Instagram and Snapchat are more entertainment-focused, potentially increasing time-wasting.
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LinkedIn and Discord offer more professional and academic uses.
Institutional Responses and Digital Policies
Universities are beginning to implement digital wellness programs and social media guidelines.
Some have created official digital communities and forums that encourage academic interaction
while discouraging misuse. Others use platforms like Canvas or Moodle to centralize learning
materials and limit dependency on external networks.
Gender and Cultural Differences
Cultural and gender-based patterns influence how students engage with social media. Research
suggests that female students may use social platforms more for communication and emotional
support, while male students often use them for information or entertainment (Al-Menayes,
2015). These patterns affect how each group experiences academic impacts.
Longitudinal Effects
While this paper focuses on newly admitted students, it is also important to consider long-term
academic development. Prolonged and intentional use of social media for learning can support
sustained academic achievement, digital competence, and professional readiness.

STRATEGIES FOR RESPONSIBLE SOCIAL MEDIA USE

To harness the benefits of social media while avoiding its pitfalls, students and institutions can
adopt the following strategies:
1. Establish a Social Media Schedule:
Allocate specific times during the day for checking social media to avoid impulsive use. Use the
“Pomodoro Technique” (e.g., 25 minutes of study, 5-minute break) to incorporate controlled
screen time.
2. Use Browser Extensions and Focus Apps:
Tools like StayFocusd, Freedom, and Forest can help block distracting sites during study hours.
These tools promote mindfulness by reminding users of their academic goals.
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3. Create Separate Accounts for Academic Purposes:
Maintain a dedicated academic Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn account for following
educational pages and connecting with lecturers or classmates.
4. Digital Detox Days:
Designate one day a week as a “social media-free day” to refresh focus and encourage offline
engagement with coursework and peers.
5. Follow Academic Content Creators:
Encourage students to follow influencers who share motivational study tips, career advice, and
mental health resources.
6. Enable ‘Do Not Disturb’ Mode During Study Time:
Turning off push notifications helps prevent disruptions during study or sleep.
7. Join Academic Forums and Communities:
Platforms like Quora, ResearchGate, and even Discord study servers provide academic
discussions and peer learning opportunities.
8. Practice Online Etiquette and Information Verification:
Students should be taught to fact-check information before sharing or relying on it for
assignments.Promotes critical thinking and responsible communication online.
9. Institutional Integration of Social Media Literacy:
Universities can introduce workshops or courses on digital responsibility, teaching students how
to engage with social media productively.
10. Self-Monitoring and Reflection Journals:
Encourage students to log their daily screen time and reflect on whether it supports or hinders
their academic goals.

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CHAPTER FOUR

CONCLUSION
Social media is an inescapable part of modern student life. For newly admitted students, it
represents both a valuable resource and a potential barrier to academic success. The influence of
social media on academic performance is complex and depends heavily on how it is used. When
integrated thoughtfully, it can enhance learning, build community, and support academic growth.
However, if misused or allowed to dominate one’s time and attention, it can lead to distraction,
stress, and poor performance. Students must be guided and supported in developing healthy
digital habits, and universities should play an active role in promoting responsible use.
Ultimately, striking a balance between connectivity and concentration is key to unlocking the full
academic potential of social media.
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