Social Media Use and Academic Performance: A Mixed-Methods Study of High School and College Students in the Warren Park–Mabelreign District, Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Introduction: The visible existence of social media among the younger generation has opened up discussions about its good and bad effects on study performance. The research is aimed at revealing the variations, goals, and the influence of social media use on the educational successes of school and college students in the Warren Park–Mabelreign District of Harare, Zimbabwe.

Methods: The mixed-methods approach was adopted where quantitative data were sourced from 200 students using structured questionnaires and qualitative insights were obtained through interviews with 10 students and 10 teachers. Application of descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analyses was done using SPSS and that was augmented by thematic analysis of qualitative data.

Results: One important finding is that the students use social media not only for fun but also for school purposes. The most common activities included daily chats, peer work, and getting study materials. Nonetheless, the overuse of social media, especially when it goes beyond two hours a day, is linked to a reduction in study time, distractions, procrastination, and lower self-reported academic performance. On the other hand, reasonable and intentional use brings about peer cooperation, information sharing, and interaction with educational resources. Factors related to institutions like Internet provision and ICT support have a strong effect on students’ productive social media use, while factors related to students like age and school type have a moderate effect on the usage patterns.

Conclusion: The study concludes that while social media can serve as an academic tool, its unregulated or excessive use can be detrimental to learning. It recommends the promotion of digital literacy, structured guidance on responsible social media use, and investment in institutional resources to balance the educational benefits and potential drawbacks of social media among students. These findings provide valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers seeking to optimize social media as an educational resource