Effects of Social Media On Students Academic Performance in Institutions of Higher Learning in Pamba Soroti -Uganda

Abstract The study was carried out with the aim of examining the impact of use of social media on students’ academic performance in institution of higher learning. This research adopted descriptive and explanatory research design. It also employed the use of cross sectional survey method using survey questionnaires with a Likert Scale. The of sample 102 students from selected secondary schools selected using convenient sampling method. The data collected was analyzed using description means and regression via SPSS. The Pearson’s correlation coefficients of four independent are correlated with student’s academic performance while two are not. Thus considering the abnormal use of Social media platforms by students, it is expedient that Universities in Soroti educate their students to positively use these platforms for educational purposes which will eventually result in a positive impact on their academic performance. From the findings and the conclusions of the study, the researcher recommends that i) Students should be educated on the influence of Social media on their academic performance ii) Students should be monitored by teachers and parents on how they use these sites iii) Teachers should ensure they use the social media as a tool to improve the academic performance of students in schools iv) Students should better manage their study time in and prevent distractions that can be provided by the social media and v) There should be a decrease in the number of time spent by students when surfing on the net.