CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED IN THE UTILIZATION OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES FOR INFORMATION SHARING BY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITIES IN BAUCHI STATE

Abstract

The study investigated challenges encountered in the Utilization of Social Networking Sites for Information sharing by Undergraduate Students in Universities in Bauchi State. The study objectives were to identify the types of Social Networking Sites utilized for Information sharing by Undergraduate Students, the challenges encountered and how these challenges were addressed. The research design adopted was a cross sectional survey research design using questionnaire as instrument. The target population was 18,025with a sample size of 375. The researcher used a simple random sampling technique. The study found out that the types of Social Networking Sites utilized by Undergraduate Students in Universities in Bauchi State are Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Twitter, Whatsapp and the challenges encountered in the utilization of Social Networking Sites are poor security, increased dependency on online platforms and poor internet Network. In addressing the challenges, the Undergraduate Students reconnect to a better internet Network, report cyber crime activities, frequently change their password, change Login in strategies and block or report any issue concerning hacking privacy messages. In conclusion, the Undergraduate Students in Universities in Bauchi State can be more positive in their acceptance and utilization of Social Networking Sites for sharing different types of information despite the challenges encountered. The study recommended that the University management should continue to support the Undergraduate Students utilization to be aware and to utilize available types of Social Networking Sites. The Government and University management should liaise with SNS companies so as to improve reasons/purposes of utilising SNS and also assist Undergraduate Students in addressing many of the challenges they face in utilizing Social Networking Sites.