Influence of social media on the Youths: A case study of Maasai Mara University, Narok Kenya

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of social media on the youths of Maasai Mara University. We will see how this social media is affecting the morality of the youths, how it is affecting their academic performance and how frequently they use the social media for entertainment, education etc. Background :Youths are the heaviest users of social networking, as much as this is a good thing like it has helped discuss educational topics and talk about school assignments, it has given a quick cheap method of disseminating information and mobilizing people, helps to empower and inform individuals to change themselves and their communities, has allowed the youths to communicate with their friends and family hence increasing online communication strengthening the bond and they make new friends, Less study has been made on the effects of these social media instruments. This study also looked at the effects of social media in social, skill development and the internet generation on youth interactions. How using these social media is affecting the youths‘behavior in school and in their personal life is it good or bad? Should it be encouraged or not? Method: random stratified sampling was used to select the sample; structured questionnaires were prepared, tested and approved before they were distributed. Other methods of data collection involved secondary methods. Data was collected for two weeks. A total of 50 respondents answered the questionnaires. Results: social media influence on academic performance is positive. The youths also seem to be addicted to social media mostly for socializing, entertainment, self-status seeking and information. Conclusion: Social media has a major impact on the youths especially on their moral behavior in both a positive and negative way, it is part of them especially having been born in this era of emerging technology and most felt that they could not do without social media.