Augustine Igwe Robert, Chukwuka Otolokpo & Joseph Ushie Okpamu
Abstract
The study investigated social media related variables and students’ academic performance in economics in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of this study, two null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Ex-post facto research design was used for the study. Two instruments, Social Media Related Variables and Students’ Academic Performance Questionnaire (SMRFASAPQ) and Students’ Performance Test in Economics (SPTE), were used for data collection. A sample of 200 students was selected using simple random sampling technique. This included ninety nine (99) female and one hundred and one (101) male drawn from five (5) senior secondary schools randomly selected from the study area. Pearson product moment correlation was used for data analysis and the hypotheses were tested at .05 level of significance. The result of the study revealed that time spent and uses of short forms on social media have significant relationship with academic performance in economics. Based on the findings, it was recommended, amongst others, that school management should prohibit the use of mobile phones during classes so as to enhance the teaching and learning of Economics in particular and other subjects in general.