More than half of South African university and college students surveyed in a research study say they are addicted to social media.
The study titled the 'SA High-tech Student 2013' was conducted by research firm World Wide Worx and Student Brands.
Student Brands is a South African student portal that aims to give students the necessary resources, support and opportunities to excel in the competitive world of business.
The research study included the interviews of 1435 students from all universities and colleges across South Africa.
And according to the study, 59% of students said they were addicted to social media.
16% of the students said they were very addicted and only 18% said they were definitely not addicted, the research study revealed.
However, despite being addicted to social media the students also explained that it enhances their academic and social lives.
85% of the respondents said social media improved their studies, with a similar proportion of 83% believing it enhanced their social lives, the study revealed.
In addition, 81% of respondents said technology such as smartphones and the internet enhanced their quality of life.
“For students, social networking and the internet is not a good or a bad thing in itself, but has become an integral part of their lives,” said Daryl Bartkunsky, managing director of Student Brands, the student marketing specialists.
Other findings have revealed that 68% of students surveyed connect to the internet via smartphones, 61% via laptops or notebook computers, 50% on desktop PCs belonging to universities or colleges and 20% on tablets.
The popular social networks among the students were Facebook with 96% of respondents using it and Twitter is used by 70% of respondents.
Google+ slots into third place, at 47%. Meanwhile, Mxit retains a strong user base with 39% of respondents reporting they were using it.
Professional network LinkedIn claims a 29% share, especially for students who are nearing completion of their studies and using it for employment prospects.
Instagram and Pinterest respectively attracted 16% and 15% of respondents.
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