The Impact of Using Social Media in Learning on the Academic Performance of Yemeni University Students

Abstract

Currently, social media is very popular among students and has a great impact on academic performance. However, there remains a significant scarcity of research focused on the impact of social media on the academic performance of the students in Yemen universities. Therefore, the aim of this study is to address this issue by investigating the impact of social media on the academic performance of students in Yemeni universities. A descriptive analytical method was used. This study developed a model using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and constructivist theory. The model included six independent variables representing interactions for learning, participation in learning, perceived interest, ease of use, time spent, IT infrastructure, and one dependent variable, academic performance. IT infrastructure is included in the study model and is an important variable, but it has been overlooked in previous studies. This study applied a quantitative method and analysis through surveying 382 university students selected from the University of Science and Technology and Sana'a University. The data were analyzed via regression analysis. The results of the study reveal a statistically significant positive impact of using social media on students’ academic performance. The results show there are a positive relationship between all independent variables in the model namely, interaction for education, participation for education, perceived usefulness, ease of use, time spent, and IT infrastructure and the dependent variable which is academic performance. Based on the findings, the study introduced recommendations for the respective stakeholders in Yemeni universities to leverage social media to foster academic performance of the students through increasing interaction for education, expanding participation of students in education, highlighting perceived benefits of social media for students, ensuring ease of use, managing time spent on social media, and enhancing IT Infrastructure.