Project – The Impact of Social Media on Learning Habits and Academic Performance Among Gen Z Students in five Selected Secondary Schools in Yaba

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The emergence of social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, and YouTube has significantly transformed communication, learning, and social interaction among young people globally. These platforms, which were originally designed for social connectivity, have gradually evolved into powerful tools influencing education, information sharing, and knowledge acquisition. Among Generation Z (Gen Z) students—generally those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s—social media use has become an integral part of daily life, particularly in secondary school environments.

In recent years, the integration of digital technology into education has expanded access to learning materials and encouraged collaborative learning. Studies have shown that social media can support academic activities by facilitating group discussions, sharing educational content, and improving communication between teachers and students. However, the excessive use of these platforms has raised concerns about their potential negative influence on students’ academic performance, attention span, time management, and learning habits.

Researchers argue that while social media provides educational benefits, it is also associated with distractions that reduce students’ concentration on academic tasks. For instance, constant engagement with short-form content, online chats, and entertainment features may reduce study time and negatively affect students’ ability to complete assignments and prepare for examinations effectively.

In Nigeria, the situation is particularly pronounced among secondary school students due to increased smartphone accessibility, affordable internet data, and peer influence. Many students now spend several hours daily on social media platforms, often during school hours or study time. This trend has raised concerns among educators and parents about declining reading culture, reduced academic seriousness, and poor academic performance.

In Yaba, Lagos State—a densely populated educational hub with several public and private secondary schools—students are highly exposed to digital technologies. As a result, understanding how social media influences their learning habits and academic outcomes has become an important area of academic inquiry. This study therefore investigates the impact of social media on learning habits and academic performance among Gen Z students in five selected secondary schools in Yaba, Lagos State.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the educational opportunities created by social media, there is growing concern that its misuse among secondary school students may be contributing to poor academic performance and declining study habits. Many students spend excessive time on social media platforms engaging in non-academic activities such as chatting, video streaming, gaming, and content creation, rather than focusing on their studies.

Teachers in secondary schools in Yaba have reported issues such as lack of concentration in class, incomplete assignments, poor revision habits, and declining performance in continuous assessments. These challenges are increasingly being linked to students’ heavy engagement with social media platforms. Although some students use social media for educational purposes such as group discussions and accessing learning materials, the negative effects appear to outweigh the positive outcomes in many cases.

Furthermore, there is limited localized research focusing specifically on Gen Z secondary school students in Yaba, Lagos State, despite the high level of digital exposure in this area. Most existing studies focus on tertiary institutions or general populations, leaving a gap in understanding how secondary school students are affected within this specific environment.

This study therefore seeks to address the gap by examining how social media influences learning habits and academic performance among Gen Z students in five selected secondary schools in Yaba, Lagos State.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of social media on learning habits and academic performance among Gen Z students in five selected secondary schools in Yaba, Lagos State.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Investigate the extent of social media usage among Gen Z students in selected secondary schools in Yaba.
2. Examine how social media influences students’ learning habits.
3. Assess the relationship between social media usage and academic performance.
4. Identify the positive and negative effects of social media on students’ academic activities.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the extent of social media usage among Gen Z students in secondary schools in Yaba?
2. How does social media influence students’ learning habits?
3. What is the relationship between social media usage and academic performance?
4. What are the positive and negative effects of social media on students’ academic performance?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

H₀: There is no significant relationship between social media usage and academic performance among Gen Z students in five selected secondary schools in Yaba.

H₁: There is a significant relationship between social media usage and academic performance among Gen Z students in five selected secondary schools in Yaba.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will be beneficial to students, teachers, school administrators, parents, and policymakers. It will help students understand how their social media usage affects their academic performance and encourage better time management. Teachers and school administrators will gain insight into students’ behavioral patterns and academic challenges linked to digital media use.

Parents will also benefit by understanding how to regulate and guide their children’s social media habits at home. Furthermore, policymakers and educational stakeholders will use the findings to develop strategies for integrating social media positively into learning while minimizing its negative effects.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on Gen Z students in five selected secondary schools in Yaba, Lagos State. It examines social media usage patterns, learning habits, and academic performance. The study is limited to secondary school students and does not cover tertiary institutions or other geographical areas outside Yaba.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Social Media: Digital platforms such as WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube used for communication and content sharing.

Learning Habits: The consistent study behaviors and academic routines adopted by students.

Academic Performance: The measurable academic achievement of students, often reflected in test scores and classroom performance.

Gen Z Students: Individuals born approximately between 1995 and 2010 who are currently in secondary school.

Project – The Impact of Social Media on Learning Habits and Academic Performance Among Gen Z Students in five Selected Secondary Schools in Yaba