Computers in Human Behavior 26 (2010) 1237-1245 Contents lists available at Scie

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Computers in Human Behavior 26 (2010) 1237-1245 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Computers in Human Behavior ELSEVIER journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/comphumbeh Facebook and academic performance Paul A. Kirschner, Aryn C. Karpinskib Centre for Learning Sciences and Technologies (CELSTEC), Open University of the Netherlands, Valkenburgerweg 177, 6419AT Heerlen, The Netherlands The Ohio State University, The College of Education and Human Ecolog,The School of Educational Policy and Leadership 29 West Woodruff Avenue, 210 Ramseyer Hal Columbus, OH 43210 A RTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Keywords: Facebook Social networking software Grade point average Academic performance There is much talk of a change in modern youth- often referred to as digital natives or Homo Zappiens- with respect to their ability to simultaneously process multiple channels of information. In other words kids today can multitask. Unfortunately for proponents of this position, there is much empirical docu mentation concerning the negative effects of attempting to simultaneously process different streams of information showing that such behavior leads to both increased study time to achieve learning parity and an increase in mistakes while processing information than those who are sequentially or serially pro- cessing that same information. This article presents the preliminary results of a descriptive and explor- atory survey study involving Facebook use, often carried out simultaneously with other study activities, and its relation to academic performance as measured by self-reported Grade Point Average (GPA) and hours spent studying per week. Results show that Facebook users reported having lower GPAs and spend fewer hours per week studying than nonusers

Explanation / Answer

Abstract: This study seeks to understand the relationship between use of Facebook and academic performance. The method used is self report measured by Grade Point Average. The basic structure of this study rests on children's ability to multi task and process multiple information. It is a descriptive and exploratory survey on young adults. Results show that Facebook users have lower Grade Point Average and they spend lesser hours than non users.

Introduction: Today's generation is radically different from the previous generations. They are multitaskers and they are surrounded by technology and they know to use them really fast and well. They live in a virtual world whereby they are connected through social networking sites such as Facebook. This study assumes that the users of Facebook should also be good multitaskers. They can apply these multitasking abilities in their academics too. Therefore, the relationship between the use of Facebook and academic performance is being studied.

Method: The participants of this survey consisted of undergraduate and graduate students of about 22 year olds. The data was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively.

Results:There were significant differences found in the relationship between facebook users and non users and the relationship between facebook users and academic performance.

Discussion: There are significant differences in the study methods adopted by facebook users and non-users. Graduate students showed a higher mean GPA than non-graduate students. At the univariate level, the relationship between facebook and GPA and hours spent on studying is sustained regardless of student status.

The research however left many unanswered questions which gives scope for further studies.

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