Impact of Social Media on the Reading Culture of Uniben Undergraduate Students

ABSTRACT

Social media is a collection of virtual communities that enable individuals, groups, governments, organizations, among others, to exchange information, and express themselves through virtual network sites such as Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, and Instagram, to name a few. This study investigated the Impact of Social Media on Uniben Undergraduate Students Reading Culture. A sample of 100 respondents was drawn from a population 2,184 full time undergraduate student in the selected departments using Taro Yamane’s Formula with a 0.1 sample error. The stratified and purposive sampling technique was used for the selection. The theoretical framework of Uses and Gratification and Media Dependency was used to highlight the reasons individuals (especially students) use the media and what they derive from such media. The Media Dependency Theory was used to explain the level to which they depend on these media. The survey design method was used to provide an instrument in data gathering with the 18-items questionnaire containing demographic and psychographic data for the research. Tables and simple percentage were used in the presentation and analysis of data generated through the questionnaire. The data that was generated formed the basis on which the analysis and discussion were made on the findings. This study affirms the fact that Uniben Undergraduate students use social media to a very high extent. The study also reviewed the uses of social media by Uniben undergraduate students which includes communicating with friends, online learning, facilitating class discussion, for leisure and personal relaxation. Furthermore, the study indicated the negative impact of social media on the reading culture of Uniben Undergraduate students which include: source of distraction, lack of interesting in conventional book and posting pictures and videos. The impact of social media on Uniben students reading culture cannot be overemphasized and should be handled.