Influence of Social Media and Identity Formation on Academic Self-Efficacy of Senior Secondary School Students in Ibadan, Oyo State
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Date
2025-12
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Lead City University Ibadan
Abstract
Adolescents today increasingly form identities and learning development through digital spaces that influence academic confidence. This study examined the influence of social media and identity formation on academic self-efficacy among senior secondary school students in Ibadan South West Local Government Area, Oyo State. Addressing a gap in Nigerian literature, the study applied the Uses and Gratifications Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Social Identity Theory to interpret adolescent development in a digital context. Three research questions guided this study with two hypothesis that were tested at 0.05 level of significance. An ex-post-facto research design was engaged. The target population comprised 6594 SS1 and SS2 students from public secondary schools in Ibadan South-West LGA. A sample size of 385 students was derived using Taro Yamane formula. Data were gathered through a validated self-designed questionnaire: The Social Media Usage Test (SMUT), Identity Formation Scale (IFS), Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES), and Reflective Assessment tool (RATISE). Reliability coefficients of α =0.796, 0.779 and 0.720, confirmed, internal consistency. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression while RATISE items were thematically analysised. Results indicated that students had a moderate level of academic self-efficacy (mean = 2.93), with social media use showing a significant positive correlation (r = .297, p < .001) and predictive power (β = .306, p < .001). The most exhibited identity behaviour among the respondents was self-expression. The joint effect of both variables accounted for 9.2% of the variance (R² = .092, F = 18.515, p < .001). The study concludes that purposive educational use of social media enhances academic self-efficacy. Based on the findings, it is recommended that stakeholders inculcate digital literacy and digital-based counselling programmes to support stable identity development and academic self-efficacy.
Keywords: Academic Self-Efficacy, Social Media Platforms, Identity Formation, Digital Literacy, Counselling Programme.
Word Count: 299
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Keywords
Academic Self-Efficacy, Social Media Platforms, Identity Formation, Digital Literacy, Counselling Programme.
Citation
Kate Turabian