The Effect of Using Social Networks on Academic Performance and School Attachment of Students

The current research was conducted with the aim of determining the effectiveness of using social networks on academic performance and school attachment of students in Kerman. The design of the research was semi-experimental and pre-test-post-test with a control group. The statistical population of the research included all eleventh students of Kerman secondary schools. The sample of this research was 40 students from the community who were selected through simple random sampling. The data measurement tools were two standard academic performance questionnaires by Pham-Taylor Questionnaire (1990) and school attachment questionnaire by Brew, Beatty & Watt (2004). The statistical method of covariance analysis was used to analyze the data. The results obtained from the data analysis showed that there is a significant difference between control and experimental group (P <0.05 level) and also the obtained results showed that the use of social network has a significant effect on academic performance and attachment to school. Therefore, it is suggested to school administrators, teachers and counselors to familiarize students with the disadvantages and threats of excessive and extreme use of virtual networks and by creating a fresh atmosphere in the school environment, it will cause enthusiasm and eventually increase attachment and improve the performance of students in school.