Examining the Relationships between GenderSpecific Social Network Sites (SNSs) Addiction_x000D_ Patterns and Student Academic Performance

Abstract

Given the widespread usage of social media and the saturation of social network sites (SNSs), many students_x000D_ and instructors have integrated technology into both social and educational life to enhance their learning experiences. Yet, non-educational use of social media brings drawbacks and also causes undesirable situations. Especially for young people, multi-tasking, like using SNS during their class sessions, creates cognitive disabilities_x000D_ as well as low academic performance. In this study, we have examined the relationships between SNS addiction_x000D_ patterns (SNS intensity and network size) and academic achievement (grade point average, or GPA) of 711 college students in Turkey. We have also sought to assess whether there is a correlation between gender and SNS_x000D_ addiction patterns. A questionnaire has been used for data collection. Our findings clearly show that the majority of our participants have used a smartphone for more than 5 years, with Instagram the app whose reputation_x000D_ supersedes that of other SNSs. Surprisingly, we found no significant relationship between academic success and_x000D_ SNS addiction patterns, though the study confirms a gender-discrepancy with regard to SNS addiction patterns._x000D_ Females spend more time on SNS than males, whereas males have more online friends than do females. The_x000D_ reason for this disparity may derive from their different uses of SNS. Thus, further studies may concentrate on_x000D_ different aspects of this issue with more factual and objective data to reveal the real impact of SNS on our lives._x000D_ Conclusions, suggestions, and research limitations have also been discussed.