Exploring the Effects of Social Media on the Reading Culture of Students in Tamale Technical University

Abstract

Numerous activities of educational development require the ability to read and write. Reading in general aids in the development of the mind and the personality of any individual. It also enhances an individual's intellectual capabilities. However, social media has become a vital component of the daily life of tertiary students and is steadily taking over the consciousness of the youth consequently affecting their reading culture. The current study sought to explore the effects of social media on the reading culture of tertiary students in Ghana. The quantitative approach to data collection and analysis was adopted. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 478 Tamale Technical University (TaTU) students. The study demonstrates that students are negatively affected by their constant access to social media platforms. The findings also revealed that excessive use of social media by students has a statistically significant impact on the reading culture and to an extent their academic performance. Since most of the students’ access social media with a wireless network, it is recommended that authorities in tertiary institutions must establish rules and regulations that will limit students’ use of social networking sites during lecture and library sessions.

Keywords: Reading culture, social media, tertiary students, academic excellence