Adeyemi Adepapo, Onyeanula Ekunya, Hakeem Onlaniyi Liadi

Influence of social media usage on the communication skills of adolescents in Abuja, Nigeria

Introduction

Influence of social media usage on the communication skills of adolescents in abuja, nigeria. Explore social media's impact on adolescent communication skills in Abuja, Nigeria. This study details usage patterns, platform preferences, and the complex relationship, recommending media literacy programs.

Abstract

As social media use increases, its role in adolescent self-expression and communication becomes increasingly significant. This study addresses a gap in the literature by examining social media usage and its relationship with communication skills among adolescents in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 145 adolescents through questionnaires, with reliability confirmed via test-retest (r = 0.76). Descriptive and inferential statistics revealed that WhatsApp is the most frequently used platform, followed by Facebook and Snapchat. Most participants reported daily use of social media for various purposes. A correlation was found between time spent on social media and self-rated communication skills, though opinions on its impact varied. These findings highlight the complex relationship between social media and adolescent communication, suggesting the need for targeted interventions. The study recommends the development of educational programs to improve adolescents' media literacy and promote healthier social media engagement.

Review

This study addresses a pertinent and timely topic, investigating the influence of social media usage on the communication skills of adolescents in Abuja, Nigeria, a geographical context often underrepresented in such research. Employing a cross-sectional survey design, the authors collected data from 145 adolescents using questionnaires, with reliability confirmed through test-retest. Key findings indicate that WhatsApp is the predominant platform, followed by Facebook and Snapchat, and that most participants engage with social media daily. A notable correlation was identified between time spent on social media and participants' self-rated communication skills, although the perceived impact of this usage varied, underscoring a complex and nuanced relationship. While the study's focus on a specific, under-researched region is commendable, several methodological considerations warrant attention. The sample size of 145 adolescents is relatively small for a major urban center like Abuja, potentially limiting the generalizability of the findings. More critically, the reliance on a cross-sectional design restricts the ability to infer causality, only establishing associations. A significant limitation lies in the exclusive use of *self-rated* communication skills, which are inherently subjective and susceptible to bias, and the abstract provides no detail on how these skills were operationalized or the specific dimensions assessed. This lack of objective measurement makes it challenging to fully ascertain the validity of the reported correlation or the nature of the "complex relationship" suggested. Despite these limitations, the study offers valuable preliminary insights and highlights a critical area for intervention. The findings regarding platform popularity and daily usage provide useful context, and the observed correlation, even with self-rated data, serves as a foundation for further inquiry. The recommendations for targeted interventions, educational programs, and improved media literacy are well-founded and directly actionable, pointing towards practical applications. For future research, it would be highly beneficial to expand the sample size, incorporate longitudinal designs to explore developmental trajectories, and utilize more objective or triangulated measures of communication skills. Overall, this paper represents an important initial step in understanding the dynamic interplay between social media and adolescent communication in Nigeria, paving the way for more robust and comprehensive investigations.

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