Secondary School Students’ Perceived Influence of WhatsApp Social Media on Academic Performance in the English Language in Osun State

Abstract

This study examined the perceived influence of WhatsApp social media on students’ learning outcomes in the English Language in Osun State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study comprised all senior secondary school students in Osun State. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 200 students as the respondents. A Self–developed questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.8 was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using frequency count, percentage, standard deviation, and t-test. The study revealed that students for both academic and non-academic purposes use the WhatsApp social media platform. It further showed that WhatsApp usage does not affect negatively students’ academic performance in the English Language except in the case of addiction. The findings further revealed that there is no significant difference in the perceived influence of WhatsApp social media on students’ academic performance in the English Language based on gender. It was recommended that Students should be advised to utilize WhatsApp social media to promote their academic performance and school counselors should organize seminars for students on the dangers of using WhatsApp for non-academic purposes based on its effect on academic performance.