Speakers

Biography

Wole Michael OLATOKUN is a professor of Information Science at the National University of Lesotho. He holds master's and doctorate degrees in  Information Science obtained from the  University of  Ibadan,  Nigeria. He is an honorary  Professor at the  University of  Kwazulu-Natal,  South  Africa.  He has taught and conducted research in the areas related to information science,  systems, and technology in  Nigeria and  Botswana for over two decades.  His research interests include Addiction research,  Social  Informatics, Information  Ethics, Gender and  ICT,  Knowledge  Management, e-government,  and  Indigenous  Knowledge.  

Abstract

The study was designed to investigate Social Media Addiction (SMA) among university students in South Western Nigeria, examining the relationships between self-esteem, personality traits, and SMA. The theoretical framework encompasses components within a biopsychosocial and behavioral addiction framework, employing a descriptive survey design. A total of 382 students across academic levels and departments participated, using the Adapted Social Media Addiction Scale (ASMAS), comprising the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS), the big five personality traits scale, and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Frequency counts, percentage distribution, independent T-test analysis, and Pearson product-moment correlation were performed on collected data at a 0.05 significance level. 

Results indicate social media addiction among university students, with salience, tolerance, and mood modification criteria having high associations and relapse and withdrawal showing positive moderate associations. Personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness) and self-esteem exhibit positive (direct) and negative (indirect) relationships with SMA, respectively. Demographic variables showed no significant relationship with SMA, and there was no discernible difference in SMA levels between males and females. The study identified low self-esteem and specific personality traits as SMA risk factors, highlighting students' vulnerability irrespective of age, gender, or academic level. The findings underscore the need for intervention mechanisms within Social Media Addiction strategic management planning to prevent academic disorientation resulting from inappropriate social media use.