UTILIZATION OF THE SOCIAL MEDIA AMONG STUDENTS OF HASSAN USMAN KATSINA POLYTECHNIC NIGERIA

Abstract

In 21st century, easily access to information and communication technology through social media become major concern throughout worldwide. This study examined the use of social media among students of Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic. The objectives are: (1) to determine Hassan Usman Polytechnic students in actively usage of social media, (2) to identify students’ perception of social media and (3) to examine the frequency of social media usage. A descriptive survey design was adopted. Sampling size of 98 students of Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic were randomly selected. Questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection and analysed using descriptive analysis. The result revealed students used social media to share information, chit-chat and interaction with friends. Without noticed, students might use social media to discuss national issues, engage in cyber-crimes and expose themselves to pornography. The findings also indicate that using social media has influenced their lifestyles either positive or negative, and indirectly could affect their achievements in academic excellence. The study concludes that social media is an indispensable Internet platform among Hassan Katsina Polytechnic students. In recommendation, researchers opinion that Social Media Acts should be introduced and stipulate the dos and don’ts among the students and public uses of social networking sites in Hassan Usman Polytechnic Nigeria.