DIGITAL DIALOGUES: UNVEILING THE WIDESPREAD REACH OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN NIGERIAN SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

The rapid advancement of technology has transformed the global landscape, turning the world into a tightly-knit global village. This transformative shift is particularly evident among higher education students, who find themselves increasingly immersed in a myriad of social media platforms. From cutting-edge iPhones to the latest online applications, students in universities are actively engaged in a diverse array of social media, ranging from popular blogs and social networking sites like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Skype, Google +, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, to content-sharing platforms such as YouTube. Social media, as defined by Rouse (2013), encompasses online communication channels dedicated to community-based interaction, content-sharing, and collaboration. These platforms, including websites and applications facilitating fora, microblogging, social networking, and social bookmarking, serve as web-based tools that enable individuals to connect, share, and consume information. For university students, the use of social media extends beyond mere entertainment, with these platforms serving as invaluable learning tools, as highlighted by Al-Tarawineh (2014). This paper explores the multifaceted role of social media in the lives of university students, addressing both positive and negative aspects of their engagement. On one hand, social media serves as a medium for social interaction, information retrieval, and leisure activities. On the other hand, it has found a place in the educational landscape, being utilized for teaching and learning purposes. However, amidst these positive applications, there is a growing concern about the negative consequences of excessive social media use. Students, in their quest for connection and information, also grapple with negative addictions such as involvement in cyber fraud, crime, bullying, harassment, and the consumption of explicit content (Graham & Kingsley, 2005). Through an exploration of these various dimensions, this paper aims to provide insights into the evolving relationship between university students and social media. It delves into the dynamics of their engagement, examining the impact on both personal and academic spheres. The study seeks to contribute to the ongoing discourse on the integration of social media in higher education, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities it presents.