Gender-Based Disparities in the Utilisation of Social Media for Academic Purposes: A Case Study of Undergraduates in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Using a descriptive survey of 360 undergraduates across three Ondo State universities (Adekunle Ajasin, AFUED, OAUSTECH) and a structured questionnaire (GDSMUQ, r = 0.80), this study examined gender-based disparities in social media use for academic purposes. WhatsApp and YouTube were most frequently used for sharing lecture materials, group discussions, sourcing resources and exam preparation. An independent t-test showed no statistically significant difference between male and female students. Recommendations include promoting structured academic use, improving internet facilities and strengthening digital literacy.