The Effects of Social Networks on Academic Achievement of Students, a Study in Birjand University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: Considering the increasing growth of Social Networking Services (SNS) and its effects on different aspects of users’ lives, this study was performed to investigate the effects of social networking sites on academic achievement of students in Birjand University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This case-control study was performed in year 2011 on a population of Birjand University of Medical Sciences students (n=210). Using a questionnaire, membership in SNS, estimated hours of working with SNS, sign up date, and the reason for using these networks were investigated and compared among two groups of students having grade point average (GPA) of 16 or higher (control group) and lower than sixteen (case group). Data was analyzed using independent t-test, chi2 and odd ratio. Results: Thirty five percent of participants in control group and 53.3% of participants in case group were registered in these networks (OR=2.2). The average time spent in social networks in case and control group was respectively 0.9±1.73 and 0.44±1.4 hours per day which showed a significant difference (p=0.046, t= 2.02. The date of sign up was the first term (57.9%) in case group and before entering the university in the control group (47.1%). Conclusion: The result of this study showed that students with lower GPA and weaker academic performance use SNS more than other students enjoying higher GPA and academic performance. So it is recommended to inform students as they enter the university about the effects of virtual social networks.