Utilization of Social Networking Sites in Relation to the Academic Performance of Grade 12 Students of Lemery Senior High School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The use of technology in media has been changing radically. Its commonness and ubiquity made certain effects that are conspicuous nowadays. In this generation, the internet; one of the new forms of media offers services that cater not only dissemination of information. Online social networks facilitate connections between people based on shared interests, values, membership in particular groups. Moreover, the conventional use of media was incorporated with more complex use. The growth of technology abducts the user to a "cyberspace" or a simulated world created by the advent of internet. The mass audience seems to have a separating meter on a real from virtual world. It is not surprising that even socialization was also an issue towards the internet journey. Socialization, as defined, is a human activity accord to people's free will to manage them and other people without a need of control or governance. It is free, accord to human rationality; it is neither a right nor a privilege.

METHODS

The researcher applied a quantitative research method. The descriptive information was obtained through the use of devices or descriptive survey instruments in conducting measurements from selected respondents. As the term implied, its main purpose is to describe certain phenomena. For this reasons, some authorities in the research described it as a fact finding information gathering with analytical interpretation.

RESULTS

Findings revealed that students spent almost six hours per day on browsing different social networking sites for the purpose of learning lessons in school and as well as socializing with other people. Also, they agreed that they integrated values from all learning areas and expressed opinions on particular issues using social network as a reference. The respondents had assessed that social media could developed not only the reading aspect of the students but more importantly the comprehension skills and values. They agreed that they employed a sense of appreciation in different text types through the use of different social networks.

DISCUSSIONS

The results revealed that even though the students used their account in social networking sites very often, it served as a tool for them not only in socializing with others but as well as in their curricular activities such as making assignments, projects, and researches. It serves as the easiest way for the students to communicate with their classmates in making scholastic activities.