A study on perception of social media and academic performance of adolescents: Role of gender and locus of control

Pages: 778-781
Mausumi Mishra (Department of Psychology, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha)
Prabhudarsan Sahoo (Department of Psychology, Nayagarh Autonomous College, Nayagarh, Odisha)

In the recent years, the use of digital media amongst college students has raised measurably. The present study sought to examine the role of gender and locus of control on adolescents’ perception of social media and their academic performance. The research adopted a 2 (gender) x 2 (locus of control) factorial design. The sample consisted of 120 subjects pursuing undergraduate course from different colleges of Nayagarh, Odisha. Results revealed that boys used social media more than girls and students with external locus of control operated social media more than the internals. Comparison of mean scores disclosed that students with internal locus of control had higher percentage of marks than students with external locus of control. Results were analysed and interpreted on the basis of adolescents’ need for self-identity, self-expression, stereotypical beliefs regarding gender, gender discrimination, perception of control, women’s need for higher education, economic as well as their social independence.