SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE, PSYCHOSOCIAL ADJUSTMENT AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG GRADUATING CLASS STUDENTS OF HARAMAYA UNIVERSITY

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between social media usage, psychosocial adjustment, and academic performance of the graduating class students at Haramaya University's main campus. In conducting this study, a correlational research design was employed. A total of 277 respondents (183 males and 94 females) from the graduating class participated in the study. The colleges and students were selected using simple, stratified, and systematic random sampling techniques, respectively. The data were gathered through a closed-ended questionnaire that had three major parts: demographic questions, level of social media usage, and psychosocial adjustment measures. In addition, data about students' academic performance was collected using their cumulative grade point average (CGPA) from their respective registrars. Data gathered through questionnaires was analysed using percentages, the Pearson moment product correlation coefficient, multiple regressions, and an independent sample t-test. The results of the study revealed that more than 86% of the graduating class students used social media platforms at or above a medium level. Significant positive relationships were found between Facebook and Telegram usage and students’ self-esteem, which means as Facebook and Telegram usage increase, students’ self-esteem also increases. In addition, a significant positive relationship was found between Facebook and Telegram usage and students’ academic performance, which means as Facebook and Telegram usage increase, students’ academic performance also increases.A significant negative relationship was also found between depression and students’ academic performance, which means as depression increase, students’ academic performance decreases. Further, significant differences were observed between male and female social media users in terms of social anxiety and academic performance, such that male students experienced more social anxiety than female students and that male students’ performed better than female students. To conclude, social media use can enhance both the psychosocial adjustment and academic performance of our students if it is properly utilized. Thus, Haramaya University needs to develop and implement a safe social media usage awareness program in order to reduce the negative effects of social media on students' psychosocial adjustment and academic performance