The impact of social media on face to face interaction among students: A case study of University of Lusaka (UNILUS)

Abstract

Face to face interaction has been the basic mode of communication since time immemorial. However with the continuous growth of ICT and social media sites, it is important to find out the impact social media has on face to face interaction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of social media on face to face interaction among students; a case study of UNILUS University. Specifically, the study investigated the purpose that social media serves, students’ attitudes towards face to face interaction. It further looked at the negative and positive impacts of social. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods. A total of hundred respondents from UNILUS were conveniently selected for the study. Data was collected through questionnaires that had open and closed-ended questions. Data was analyzed using descriptively using statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS). Results revealed that the most used social media tools by students are Facebook and WhatsApp which they mainly use for academic, social, religious and business purposes. The study indicated that students have not totally condemned face to face interaction. It also indicated that the positive impacts of social media include connecting, reviving and preserving relationships and the negative impact among others is that it has led to anxiety and isolation among students due to addiction and too much time spent online. In view of the above, the study recommended that students should be made aware of negative effects of social media and that adequate sensitization should be made on the usage of social media and bring to their attention that social media is not there to replace face to face but to help people solve problems with minimal time wastage.