Social Media Use and Perceived Social Capital Dimensions among Students of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal
Abstract
In this 21st century, social media plays a pivotal role in the lives of users due to innumerable
benefits gained from its continuous usage, one of which is social capital. This study
investigated social media use and perceived social capital dimensions among students at
Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State. A survey design approach was adopted, using a
structured and validated questionnaire to collect data. A total of 325 students served as the
sample size, based on stratified sampling selection of 8 departments under the College of
Science and Technology (CST) in Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; while the
Purposive sampling technique was used in the distribution of a questionnaire to students in the
study area. Findings revealed a positive correlation between social media use of some popular
sites such as Facebook. Instagram, LinkedIn, WeChat, Snapchat, and perceived online bonding
as well as bridging capital. However, there were no significant differences between male and
female students in their perceived online bonding and bridging social capital. In terms of
relative contribution, Facebook had the strongest contribution to online bonding capital; while
Instagram had the strongest contribution to bridging capital. It was concluded that the intense
use of some popular social media sites drives the accumulation of bonding and bridging social
capital. Therefore, based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that University
management of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) should create an enabling environment
for the adoption and use of popular social media platforms by students, for quicker
accessibility, faster formation and accumulation of bonding, and bridging social capital.
Description
Keywords
Social capital, Bonding capital. Bridging capital, Social media use, Social capital dimensions
Citation
Afolayan, O.T. & falade, A. M. (2023). Social Media Use and Perceived Social Capital Dimensions among Students of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal 18 (1), 58-75.