Impact of Social Media on Academic Performance of Mathematics Education Students in Tertiary Institutions in Anambra State

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of social media on academic performance of mathematics education students in tertiary institutions in Anambra State, Nigeria. With the increasing integration of social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram into students' daily lives, there is growing concern about their impact on academic performance, particularly in challenging subjects like Mathematics. Employing a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 100 final-year undergraduate students
across three public tertiary institutions using a validated structured questionnaire. The study examined both positive and negative influences of social media on students' academic performance. Data analysis using mean scores, standard deviations, and t-tests revealed that social media platforms positively influence academic achievement by facilitating access to educational resources, collaborative learning, and peer support. Conversely, excessive and unregulated use leads to distractions, poor time management, and reduced academic focus. No significant gender differences were found in perceptions of social media's impact. The findings underscore the need for balanced and guided social media use to optimize academic outcomes in Mathematics education. Recommendations include the incorporation of social media literacy training and policy interventions to enhance its educational benefits, while mitigating adverse effects.