Authors:
Olubunmi Adekonojo, Federal University of Agriculture, Nigeria
B. A. Ajiboye, Federal University of Agriculture, Nigeria
T. D. Adekonojo, Federal University of Agriculture, Nigeria
Email: bunmiade16@gmail.com
Published: November 20, 2019
https://doi.org/10.22492/ijah.6.2.05
Citation: Adekonojo, O., Ajiboye, B. A. & Adekonojo, T. D. (2019). Awareness and Usage of Social Media by Undergraduates in Selected Universities in Ogun State. IAFOR Journal of Arts & Humanities, 6(2). https://doi.org/10.22492/ijah.6.2.05
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore undergraduate students’ awareness and usage of social media. A descriptive survey design was adopted with the use of questionnaires as instruments for data collection. Out of one thousand, one hundred and ninety-two (1,192) questionnaires administered to the students, one thousand, one hundred and eight (1,108) were retrieved, a number that represents 93% of the total. Data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages and means. The results revealed that the respondents were aware of almost all social media platforms, with WhatsApp (99%) ranking highest, followed by Email (97.9%) and Twitter (95.3%). The most frequently utilized social media tools were WhatsApp (x ̅ = 2.72), Email (x ̅ = 2.61) and Facebook (x ̅ = 2.50). Social media platforms were mainly used for group discussions and tutorials with course mates (x ̅ = 3.22); sourcing current materials (x ̅ = 3.21), and checking updates on current research (x ̅ = 3.18). The study concluded that social networking is not new to most undergraduates and that they use social media for academic purposes, self-expression and in order to establish friendships with other students around the globe. It was recommended, among other things, that students should be aware of the fact that overindulgence in social media is addictive and time-wasting; moreover, lecturers should assist students in making more meaningful uses of social networking sites by incorporating them into their lessons
Keywords: social media, Uses and Gratification Theory, usage of social media