Informatics Publishing Limited

Abstract

The social media have become popular in today’s world especially among Nigerian students in tertiary institutions whose majority is still in their youthful ages. This study centered on the social media typology, usage and effects the use of social media have on these students in higher institutions in Nigeria. The study made use of the survey methodology. A sample size of three hundred and ninety three (393) undergraduates of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) and Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) were purposively selected. The instrument for data collection was the questionnaire. Findings identified Facebook and WhatsApp as the most popular social networks used by Nigerian students for socializing, entertainment and informational purposes. The factors limiting the use of social media were identified to include: inadequate electricity supply, poverty and inconsistent network signals. Among the recommendations were the need to include social media as one of the courses for general studies; government to solve the persistent power problem; network providers to ensure consistent flow of signals; advertisers to target youths through the social media as well as enhance their brands through interface with social media platforms.

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