IMPACT OF THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A STUDY OF YOUNG FEMALE STUDENTS OF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY, ILE IFE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21320656Keywords:
Digital Literacy, Engagement, Social media, Young Female Students.Abstract
This study examined the impact of the use of social media on university students, with particular emphasis on young female students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Specifically, the study identified the social media platforms most frequently used by the respondents and examined the influence of social media content on their self-perception and body image. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised young female students of Obafemi Awolowo University who are active users of social media. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, while descriptive statistics comprising frequencies and percentages were used for data analysis based on 349 valid questionnaires retrieved. The findings revealed that Snapchat was the most frequently used social media platform among the respondents, followed by WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, whereas Twitter (X) and TikTok recorded comparatively lower patronage. The study further established that exposure to social media content moderately influences the self-perception of young female students. Many respondents reported comparing themselves with others regarding appearance, lifestyle and success, while a considerable proportion indicated that beauty- and lifestyle-related content influences how they perceive themselves. Although many respondents expressed satisfaction with their physical appearance and body image, some acknowledged that their self-worth is influenced by how they are perceived on social media. The study concluded that social media plays a significant role in shaping the self-perception and body image of young female university students. It recommended strengthening digital literacy programmes, promoting healthy social media practices, expanding mental health counselling services, and utilising popular platforms such as Snapchat and WhatsApp to disseminate positive and empowering messages that foster healthy self-esteem among students.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ejuchegahi A. Angwaomaodoko, Edime Yunusa, Ph.D, Timothy Abayomi Atoyebi, Ph.D (Author)
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