Technology has transformed the way students learn across the world, and Cross River State is no exception. Today, smartphones, laptops and the internet have become important learning tools, making it easier for students to carry out research, attend virtual classes, access e-books and complete assignments.
Educational materials that once required hours in the library can now be accessed with just a few clicks. While these innovations have made learning more convenient, they have also raised concerns about their effect on students’ reading habits.
In recent years, many students have become heavily dependent on digital devices not only for learning but also for entertainment. Social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube now occupy a significant part of students’ daily lives. Although these platforms provide educational opportunities, they also compete for students’ attention, reducing the time many devote to reading textbooks, novels and other academic materials.
The debate over technology and reading habits is not limited to Cross River State. Education experts across the world have expressed similar concerns. In a discussion published on Medium in November 2024, education experts Frederick M. Hess and Alex Baron argued that although technology has made learning resources more accessible, it has also exposed students to constant distractions. According to them, smartphones, tablets and computers make it easier for students to switch from academic work to social media, messaging applications and online entertainment, making it more difficult to remain focused on long-form reading.
Similarly, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in its Global Education Monitoring Report, noted that technology can improve learning when used appropriately but warned that excessive or poorly managed use of digital devices may negatively affect students’ concentration, reading ability and academic performance. UNESCO stressed that digital technology should complement classroom learning rather than replace traditional reading habits.
Concerns about the use of technology in education have also come to the fore in recent times. Recently, the University of Calabar suspended 19 students over alleged examination misconduct, drawing attention to the need for students to use technology responsibly and uphold academic integrity.
Similarly, a few days ago 5 staff of UNICAL were also dismissed from their duty over alleged misconduct. To understand how technology is affecting students locally, this writer spoke with students of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), who shared different experiences.
Speaking with this writer, Adoyi Abraham, a 300-level Computer Science student, said technology has had both positive and negative effects on students’ reading habits.
According to him, many students now spend more time on social media than reading academic materials, which has reduced their concentration and interest in serious reading. He observed that some students now rely heavily on online searches and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to complete assignments instead of reading extensively to gain a better understanding of their courses.
Despite these challenges, Abraham acknowledged that technology has made learning easier by providing access to e-books, online libraries, virtual classes, and academic journals. He maintained that technology itself is not the problem but the way students choose to use it. He advised students to manage their screen time wisely and strike a balance between digital learning and traditional reading.
Another student, Unche Victor, a 300-level Mass Communication student, shared a different opinion. He said he prefers reading with his mobile phone because it gives him access to different authors, research materials, and explanations on a particular topic. According to Unche, textbooks are often limited to the views of one author, whereas online resources provide broader knowledge and multiple perspectives.
However, he admitted that technology has also affected his study habits. He explained that social media and other online activities often compete with academic work for his attention, causing him to spend more time watching short videos and browsing online content than reading textbooks and lecture notes.
The undergraduate added that although social media offers educational content, many students pay more attention to entertainment than learning. According to him, whether social media becomes helpful or harmful depends on how students choose to use it.
Another respondent, Achu Joseph, a 200-level Software Engineering student, expressed a different view. Unlike Victor, he said he prefers reading from printed textbooks because they help him concentrate better, reduce distractions, and improve his understanding of what he studies.
Joseph acknowledged that technology has made learning more convenient by providing access to study materials and different learning formats. However, he admitted that it has also reduced students’ attention span because they constantly switch between educational applications, social media platforms, and entertainment.
According to him, social media has become one of the greatest distractions to students’ reading culture. He observed that many students now spend more time creating content, watching reels, and seeking online engagement than reading academic materials.
He further explained that social media platforms are deliberately designed to keep users engaged through short, fast-paced content, making it more difficult for students to remain focused on lengthy reading sessions.
Despite this, Joseph maintained that social media is not entirely harmful. He said students who intentionally follow academic pages, join book clubs and access educational resources online can benefit greatly from digital technology. He stressed that discipline remains the key to using technology effectively.
The views expressed by these students reflect the mixed impact of technology on education. While digital devices have improved access to knowledge and simplified research, they have also introduced distractions that threaten students’ reading culture.
Education experts believe that technology should not replace traditional reading but should instead support it. Developing a strong reading culture requires conscious effort from students, parents, lecturers, and educational institutions. Students must learn to manage their screen time, reduce unnecessary social media use, and make better use of educational technologies.
As technology continues to shape education and other areas of life, the responsibility lies with students to use these tools wisely. When properly managed, technology can improve learning and academic performance. However, when misused, it can weaken reading habits, reduce concentration, and affect academic success.
The experiences shared by the students interviewed, alongside the views of education experts, suggest that technology itself is neither good nor bad. Its impact depends largely on how it is used and the user.
For students in today’s era, striking a balance between digital learning and traditional reading may be one of the most important steps toward improving academic performance and preparing for future opportunities.
Christiana Uka is an IT student from the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, University of Cross River State (UNICROSS). She is currently undergoing her mandatory Industrial Training with CrossRiverWatch.
NB: Opinions expressed in this article are strictly attributable to the author, Christiana Uka, and do not represent the opinion of CrossRiverWatch or any other organization the author works for/with.
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