Abstract

The coming of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has altered human communication patterns as they have by one click of button connected millions of people all over the world. This irreversible change in communication pattern has engaged researchers ever since. Being a developing country, the usage pattern of social networking sites (SNSs), a part of ICTs differs significantly from what obtains in the developed countries because of infrastructural as well other problems. The usage pattern of the SNSs has equally engaged the minds of researchers. This study therefore examines: “Usage Pattern of Social Networking Sites among Students of Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro”. Anchored on the Uses and Gratification theory, this study surveyed selected students of the institution on their usage pattern of social networking sites. This study found that students of Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, use social networking sites (SNSs) and their level of usage is marginally high. Also, Facebook topped the list of mostly used social networking sites(SNSs) among students of Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro; and various purposes of usage of SNSs have created a usage pattern that is both positive and negative. The study then recommended among others that management of Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, should integrate Facebook into the official channels of communication with students.