An Investigation into the Effect of Social Media Addiction on Library Users of Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri

Abstract

The study discussed the effects of social media addiction on library users of the Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri. It defined and explained social media addiction, and the different themes relating to social media addiction. The study had five objectives and research questions. The literature reviewed social media as a concept, the benefits of using social media and addictions, the types of addiction consequences of social media addiction, and suggestions on ways to reduce social media addiction. A descriptive survey design was used for the study. The population for the study is 100, while the sample size was 48. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data and Chi Square and descriptive analysis was used to analyse the results. The study concluded that social media is beneficial to library users but with potential for abuse by library users with dire consequences in terms of their physical and mental health, and academic performance. The study suggests ways of managing social media addiction through acknowledging their addiction, reviewing past posts, setting priorities right, turning off all notifications, avoid posting everyday life experiences, limiting their social media usage and transfer their social media account to another people.