Impact of Social Media on Reading Habits of Higher National Diploma Students of Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of social media on the reading habits of HND students in the Department of Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State. A quantitative research approach was adopted using a descriptive survey design. The entire population of 216 HND II Mass Communication students participated in the study, and data was collected through a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using frequency counts and simple percentages and presented in frequency tables.
The findings reveal that social media significantly influences students' reading habits in both positive and negative ways. It also revealed that educational content, book recommendations, and academic discussions on social media platforms enhance students' reading habits and academic engagement. However, excessive social media use for entertainment and non-academic purposes contributes to distractions, reduced reading time, and diminished attention spans were reported. Further findings show that while social media improves access to academic materials and supports collaborative learning, its potential to hinder deep reading and
comprehension exist. Based on the findings, the study recommends that institutions of learning leverage and integrate social media into academic activities by promoting digital reading challenges, book recommendation forums, and interactive academic forums. As well, educators should encourage the use of infographics and interactive content to make reading more engaging. Additionally, students should be guided on effective time management and digital discipline to minimize distractions while maximizing the academic benefits of social media.