Effects of social media use on the reading habits of selected high school students in Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigates the effect of social media use on the reading habits of high school students: a case study of Obafemi Awolowo University International School, Ile-Ife, Osun State and International School, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Out of a total of 200 copies of questionnaire administered, 196 copies were duly filled, representing 98% response ratio, while the drop ratio was 2%. The findings of the study revealed that 113 (57.7%) of the respondents were male while 83 (42.9%) of the respondents were female counterparts. Majority of the respondents (99%) were between ages 13 to 20 and only 1% of the respondents is above 20 years of age. Furthermore, majority of the respondents, 154 (78.6%) were Day students, while 42 (21.4%) were Boarders. The study found that high school students spent more time on the use of social media especially with the affordability of smart phones, thereby causing an uncultured lifestyle of reading. The study concluded that, indisputably, it is obvious that the use of social media has constituted a great havoc on the reading culture of high school students. Thus, stakeholders such as the school teachers, parents, educationist and policymakers should ensure they sensitize students on the profitability of reading and also organise seminars and symposia on how to use the social media to promote and enhance good reading habits.Keywords: Effect, Use, Social Media, Reading Habits, High School Students