THE SOCIAL IMPACTS OF ELECTRONIC MEDIA ON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS OF HARAR CITY: THE CASE OF TELEVISION AND FACEBOOK

Abstract

This study investigated the multifaceted impacts of television and facebook consumption on youth's social, academic and health lives. To this end the researcher used both quantitative and qualitative approach of data collection to supplement one by the other. From quantitative, cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from the target population. To conduct survey, questionnaire and structured interview was administered for the selected target group and households respectively. From qualitative, key informant interview was applied to obtain enriched data with regard to the ramification of electronic media consumption on students' lives. Regarding sample technique, stratification and purposive sample design was used to select sample from the total population, because to see the relationship between variables like academic status and media utilization stratifying students according to their grade level was essential. The total number of samples selected to fill questionnaire from the target population was 334. Additionally 19 households were participated in structured interview, while 3 students were selected for key informant interview. In general 353 samples were covered by the study. Collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics for quantitative data whereas qualitative data were narrated. With the aforementioned course of action the study founded that students' heavy dependency on television and facebook affects their overall academic performance, pattern of social interaction and lifestyles. Everyday exposure to television and facebook competes and challenges the time dedicated for another social activities. It takes the place of reading, or preparing themselves for exam leading to lower reading skills and educational achievements. It was also found that, heavy dependence on television and facebook affects youngster’s social development. Social interaction is highly affected by long time viewing of television and using of facebook. Many youths sit around watching television or doing something on facebook and rarely play with other peers. It reduces the frequency of face to face personal interaction with others. This leads to stunted social development. On the other hand youths viewing health related television programs are more likely to engage in healthy lifestyles while those viewing risky portrayals are near to install unhealthy lifestyle in their life course. Exposure to television and facebook allows the youth to adopt adult behavior earlier before reaching adult stage. It is also founded that, using television and facebook on regular base is functional in responding to youths information demand in one dimension. They have more knowhow of this world than students less frequently exposed. It is also demonstrated that exposure to television and facebook is constructive if appropriately utilized for supplementing academic exercise.