Abstract:
Social Networking sites continue to define communication among the youth, and yet their effect on students’ academic behaviour in Kenya remains largely an emerging field. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of social network sites usage on university student’s academic behavior. Therefore, this study sought to explore the following objectives: the influence of social network sites usage on students’ academic behavior, identify the popular social networks sites frequented by undergraduate students; investigate the students’ online activities while using the
social network sites; and to find out the students motivation to use social network sites. The study was conducted in Moi University Main campus. The theory used in this study was Flow Theory of optimal experience. The study employed Explanatory Mixed Method Research Design. Cohorts used comprised of (2012-2015) third year students of school of education (Arts). The target population was 934 third year students in the School of Education. Simple random sampling was used in selecting a sample size of 272 students. Questionnaires and focus group discussions were used to
generate data. Data collected was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The quantitative used descriptive statistics where the frequency distribution tables and percentages were used. Qualitative data was analyzed by use of quotes which were categorized in themes in table form. The study revealed the following results from quantitative data; it was found out that 59.5% of the students were distracted from academic work. In addition almost half (46.6%) of the students access online activities during lecture hours whereas (53.4%) of the respondents admitted that they
did not engage in social network sites when the lectures are on. Most used sites by university students were Face book which had 44.0% and WhatsApp 28.2%. From Qualitative data the following are the themes which emerged from focus group discussions: time wasting, procrastination, delayed assignment, entertainment and even educative topics. In conclusion these study findings are relevant to guidance and counseling units. Also for university course lecturers who can design students’ online activities through Social Network Sites for learning oriented relay of information. The study recommended the use of Social Network Sites for academic purposes.
