for students in Nigeria, where Internet literacy is still low and traditional methods of teaching
and learning remain dominant despite several studies that indicate that Nigeria has one of the
fastest growing Internet users globally.
The last few years have seen dramatic increases in the presence and use of Social Media,
which is defined as a “group of Internet-based applications that build on the ideological and
technological foundations of Web 2.0, turning communication into interactive dialogue by
allowing the creation and exchange of user-generated content” (Kaplan & Haenlein, 2010).
Social Media has indeed allowed people to express themselves through blogs, websites,
Social Networking Sites (Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, Instagram, Flicker, YouTube, 2Go,
Badoo, LinkedIn etc.). According to Burnett and Merchant (2011), the recent and rapid
dissemination of new forms of digital technology has had a noticeable impact on the social
and cultural lives of large sectors of the global population. Along the infusion and availability
of more interactive and user-friendly interfaces and software designs, and the increasing
sophistication of affordable mobile devices, we are witnessing the emergence of ever-newer
forms of popular communication (Burnett & Merchant, 2011).
Furthermore, web-based Social Media makes it possible to connect people who share interest
and activities, across political, economic and geographical borders through instant messaging.
Scholars such as LaRose (2011), Livingstone (2006), Boyd and Ellison (2006) have
investigated how Social Media impact on student education in higher institution. Boyd and
Ellison (2007) in their book, Social Network Sites: Definition, History and Scholarship look
at, among other issues, the implication of social networking sites use in schools. They argue
that social networking sites are not only beneficial to students, but they can also provide new
opportunities for participatory communication among teachers and students. This point seems
to be accurate to the extent that there are various instances where teachers and students in
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