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PATTERNS OF INSTAGRAM USAGE AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY, ABRAKA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Social media platforms have become an integral part of modern communication, with Instagram emerging as one of the most popular platforms globally. Instagram, a photo and video-sharing social networking service, was launched in 2010 and has since grown to over 1 billion active users worldwide (Statista, 2023). Among its diverse user base, undergraduate students constitute a significant proportion, leveraging the platform for various purposes, including social interaction, entertainment, and academic engagement. The widespread adoption of Instagram among university students has sparked interest in understanding its usage patterns, particularly in the context of higher education institutions like Delta State University, Abraka.

The rise of Instagram usage among undergraduates can be attributed to its user-friendly interface, visual appeal, and the ability to share real-time updates. According to Alhabash and Ma (2017), Instagram's emphasis on visual content makes it particularly appealing to younger demographics, including university students. This trend is further supported by the increasing availability of affordable smartphones and internet access, which have facilitated the integration of social media into students' daily routines (Anderson & Jiang, 2018). At Delta State University, Abraka, Instagram has become a common tool for students to connect with peers, share experiences, and access information related to their academic and social lives.

However, the pervasive use of Instagram among undergraduates has raised concerns about its potential impact on academic performance, mental health, and social behavior. Studies have shown that excessive use of social media can lead to distractions, reduced productivity, and increased stress levels (Kirschner & Karpinski, 2018). For instance, a study conducted by Junco (2018) found a negative correlation between time spent on Instagram and academic performance among college students. Similarly, research by Vannucci, Flannery, and Ohannessian (2019) highlighted the association between Instagram use and symptoms of anxiety and depression among young adults. These findings underscore the need to explore the patterns of Instagram usage among undergraduate students, particularly in the Nigerian context, where such studies are limited.

In Nigeria, the adoption of Instagram has grown significantly in recent years, driven by increasing internet penetration and the proliferation of mobile devices. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC, 2022), internet users in Nigeria reached 154 million in 2022, with a significant proportion being young adults and students. Delta State University, Abraka, as a leading higher education institution in Nigeria, provides a unique setting to examine Instagram usage patterns among undergraduates. The university's diverse student population, comprising individuals from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, offers valuable insights into how Instagram is used in different contexts.

The role of Instagram in shaping students' social interactions and self-perception cannot be overlooked. Research has shown that Instagram serves as a platform for self-expression, identity formation, and social comparison (Sherlock & Wagstaff, 2019). For many undergraduates, Instagram is not just a tool for communication but also a space where they curate their online personas and seek validation through likes and comments. This phenomenon has been linked to issues such as low self-esteem, body image concerns, and fear of missing out (FOMO) (Fardouly et al., 2018). At Delta State University, Abraka, these dynamics are particularly relevant, given the pressure on students to conform to societal expectations and peer norms.

Moreover, Instagram has become a valuable resource for academic and professional networking among undergraduates. Many students use the platform to join study groups, follow educational pages, and connect with industry professionals. According to a study by Greenhow and Lewin (2021), social media platforms like Instagram can enhance learning outcomes by facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing. However, the extent to which Delta State University students leverage Instagram for academic purposes remains underexplored. Understanding these patterns can provide insights into how the platform can be optimized to support students' educational goals.

The cultural context of Instagram usage in Nigeria also warrants attention. Nigerian students often use Instagram to showcase their cultural heritage, participate in online challenges, and engage with trending topics. This cultural dimension adds a unique layer to the study of Instagram usage patterns, as it reflects the interplay between global social media trends and local traditions. For instance, the popularity of Nigerian music, fashion, and entertainment on Instagram has created a vibrant online community that transcends geographical boundaries (Adeleke, 2020). At Delta State University, Abraka, students actively participate in these online cultural exchanges, further highlighting the platform's significance in their lives.

Despite the growing body of research on Instagram usage, there is a paucity of studies focusing on Nigerian universities, particularly Delta State University, Abraka. Most existing studies have been conducted in Western contexts, where cultural and socioeconomic factors differ significantly from those in Nigeria. This gap in the literature underscores the need for context-specific research to understand how Instagram is used by Nigerian undergraduates and its implications for their academic and social lives. By examining the patterns of Instagram usage among Delta State University students, this study aims to contribute to the broader discourse on social media and its impact on higher education.

In conclusion, Instagram has become a ubiquitous presence in the lives of undergraduate students, offering both opportunities and challenges. While the platform facilitates social interaction, self-expression, and academic networking, it also poses risks related to mental health, academic performance, and social behavior. At Delta State University, Abraka, these dynamics are shaped by unique cultural and socioeconomic factors, making it an ideal setting for exploring Instagram usage patterns. This study seeks to fill the existing gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of how undergraduates at Delta State University use Instagram and the implications of this usage for their academic and personal development.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The increasing use of Instagram among undergraduate students at Delta State University, Abraka, has raised concerns about its impact on academic performance, mental health, and social behavior. While the platform offers opportunities for social interaction, self-expression, and academic networking, its excessive use may lead to distractions, reduced productivity, and psychological issues such as anxiety and depression. Despite the growing body of research on Instagram usage in Western contexts, there is a lack of context-specific studies in Nigeria, particularly at Delta State University, Abraka. This study seeks to address this gap by examining the patterns of Instagram usage among undergraduates and their implications for academic and personal development.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to determine the patterns of Instagram usage among undergraduate students of Delta State University, Abraka, and its impact on their academic and social lives. Specific objectives include:

i. To evaluate the impact of Instagram usage on the academic performance of undergraduate students.
ii. To determine the relationship between Instagram usage and mental health outcomes such as anxiety and depression.

iii. To find out how undergraduate students use Instagram for social interaction and academic networking.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What is the impact of Instagram usage on the academic performance of undergraduate students at Delta State University, Abraka?

ii. What is the relationship between Instagram usage and mental health outcomes such as anxiety and depression among undergraduate students?

iii. How does Instagram usage influence social interaction and academic networking among undergraduate students?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Hypothesis I

H0: There is no significant impact of Instagram usage on the academic performance of undergraduate students.

H1: There is a significant impact of Instagram usage on the academic performance of undergraduate students.

Hypothesis II

H0: There is no significant relationship between Instagram usage and mental health outcomes among undergraduate students.

H2: There is a significant relationship between Instagram usage and mental health outcomes among undergraduate students.

Hypothesis III

H0: There is no significant influence of Instagram usage on social interaction and academic networking among undergraduate students.

H3: There is a significant influence of Instagram usage on social interaction and academic networking among undergraduate students.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant as it provides insights into the patterns of Instagram usage among undergraduate students at Delta State University, Abraka, and its implications for academic performance, mental health, and social behavior. The findings will contribute to the existing literature on social media usage in higher education, particularly in the Nigerian context. Additionally, the study will offer recommendations for students, educators, and policymakers on how to optimize Instagram usage for positive outcomes while mitigating its potential risks.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on undergraduate students of Delta State University, Abraka, and examines their patterns of Instagram usage. The research covers the academic, social, and psychological dimensions of Instagram usage, with a particular emphasis on its impact on academic performance, mental health, and social interaction. The study is limited to students enrolled in the 2022/2023 academic session.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The study is limited by its focus on a single university, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, self-reported data on Instagram usage may be subject to biases, such as overreporting or underreporting. The cross-sectional design of the study also limits the ability to establish causal relationships between variables.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Instagram Usage: The frequency and manner in which individuals engage with the Instagram platform, including posting, browsing, and interacting with content.

Academic Performance: The measurable outcomes of students' educational activities, typically reflected in grades or GPA.

Mental Health: A state of well-being in which individuals realize their abilities, cope with normal stresses of life, and contribute to their community.

Social Interaction: The process of communicating and engaging with others, both online and offline.

Academic Networking: The use of social media platforms to connect with peers, educators, and professionals for academic purposes.

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