A new study conducted by The University of New Hampshire shows that spending time on Social Media sites does not affect the academic performance of students. Despite the ongoing concern of Facebook addiction, it doesn’t appear to have a negative impact on school performance. These findings contradict previous studies which suggested the exact opposite.
The study, carried out by Chuck Martin, a professor of marketing at Whittemore School of Business and Economics, found out that there was no direct correlation between students’ grades and the amount of time that they spent on sites like Youtube or Facebook.
The study divided students in heavy vs light social media users depending on the amount of time that they spent on social media sites. According to Martin:
We broke down usage by minutes during a typical day, with light users being logged onto a social media site for fewer than 31 minutes per day and heavy users on for a time exceeding 61 minutes per day.
The results showed that 63% of heavy users got A and B grades, as compared to the 65% light users who got A and B grades. Similarly 37% of heavy users received lower than B grades, as compared to the 35% of light users who got low grades.
Perhaps this was the only surprising finding of the study. The result of top destination for students had no surprises and revealed that Facebook and Youtube were most visited sites, with 96% of the students using Facebook and 84% using Youtube.
Another important finding of the study is that students primarily use social media sites for social or entertainment purposes, as compared to educational or professional reasons. 89% of the students said that they use the sites for social interactions, where as 79% visit the sites for entertainment. This is in sharp contrast with the 29% who use these sites for educational purposes and 16% who use it for professional interactions.
Image via gear diary
oh good, haha!
Comment by David King — February 19, 2010 @ 5:45 am
Ettäs tiedät…
Comment by Teemu Närvä — February 19, 2010 @ 5:45 am
· So, Facebook is funding its own studies, I see. Show me the 99% anti-facebook studies when they come out, not this dribble.
Comment by Steve Fields — February 19, 2010 @ 5:51 am
oh yeah!
Comment by Facebook User — February 19, 2010 @ 5:51 am
I don't think that study is quite accurate. I'm 100% sure my grades would be better if I never used facebook.
Comment by Alex — February 19, 2010 @ 6:16 am
Are there any studies about how Facebook use might affect "dribbling?"
Comment by Sheri — February 20, 2010 @ 1:58 am
am not sure if what your saying is true but try convincing my parents this!!!!!
anyway as for me i think facebook and other social networks take my mind of school work and i finish my allowance very fast
due to the fact that i need to buy credit!!!
Comment by joanne — February 20, 2010 @ 7:34 am
If more time was dedicated towards studying then grades should improve. It boils down to time management and distractions.
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Comment by Facebook User — February 20, 2010 @ 10:42 am
i doubt it .><
Comment by rotem — February 21, 2010 @ 11:25 am
lol
Comment by jack — March 15, 2011 @ 7:46 pm
LOLz, this study really impacts companies like iFreeFace http://ifreeface.com which provides a tool for students to block Facebook and concentrate on studying. On the other hand, research from multiple studies such as Maryland, Harrisburg, IPPR (UK) etc show that there is a Facebook impact on student results…
Comment by Nathan — May 25, 2011 @ 3:58 am
this is sooo untrue
i was so addicted that my grades dropped
from A's to B's and C's.
I would check notifications almost every 5 minutes.
I deleted my account a few months ago,
and it feels really good.
Comment by Mrs.Cullen — August 5, 2011 @ 10:42 pm