1.0 CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

1.1 Background to The Study

The  fundamental unit of a society is the family. People who "live together in a permanent arrangement separated from the outside world by the walls of the family dwelling" are referred to as family members (Cheal 2002). As argued by Lalor, de Róiste and Devlin (2009:76) A young person's "most significant source of security, love, belonging and identity" is their family, which is why the family is so crucial to them. As a result, it serves as an indispensable environment where the child develops into a person and satisfies some of his or her most fundamental needs, which can only be met within the family. It is the fundamental unit of society and plays the role of socialisation in forming individuals into accountable members of society. According to the Centre for Clinical Social Work (2007), Whatever term, model, or structure is used, the family or primary living group is in charge of raising and teaching its children. The family should introduce the kid to the values of cooperation and reciprocity as well as social interaction expectations, and the family caregiver(s) should respond with empathy in order to assist the child acquire mastery and a sense of self. By directing and shaping the child's views, values, attitudes, behaviour, and social skills, the family transmits their culture to them. However, due to children's growing use of social media in recent years, families are losing control of this socialization function and sustainability.

Every member of a sustainable family can thrive and reach their full potential throughout the family life cycle thanks to the safe, encouraging, and supporting environment it fosters. Families that are sustainable can access and use resources effectively, including money, and can coexist in a generally healthy way. They successfully handle the numerous crises and chances presented to them throughout the course of the family. They strive to create a friendly and secure community atmosphere and steer clear of high-risk behaviours and circumstances (such as drug and alcohol misuse). The family's adults serve as positive role models and "practise what they preach" by treating others with respect and compassion. Sustainable families have the capacity to improve the "family friendliness" of their business and neighbourhood. They are tough enough to handle difficulties and overcome adversity. Sustainable families collaborate with their neighbours, friends, and extended family to solve problems, adapt to unforeseen change, and support one another during difficult times.

Users of social networks, social media, and the internet have increased significantly on a global scale, undergoing significant quantitative and qualitative changes (Hawi & Samaha 2017). Social media has ingrained itself into adolescence, which has grown up alongside the rapid rise of digital technology. Young persons all over the world are using an increasing number of online communication platforms including Whatsapp, Snapchat, Facebook, Weibo, and Wechat as their major method of contact, which has helped to bridge the gap between online and offline interactions. Social networking has gained recognition for its simplicity and effectiveness.  Numerous benefits may result from it, including support for cooperative group involvement and activities, wide access to knowledge, lowered obstacles to distance connection and communication, and self-learning. Due to its significant participatory features, social media often has strong reinforcement. Users may immediately enter a cycle of habitual and monitoring behaviours when they engage in online chats and check for updates and replies, which can lead to social media addiction.

McGrath (2012) believes that social media technologies are significantly influencing society as a whole. Social connection between people is significantly impacted by the incorporation of such technologies into social contexts, such as the family. In today's globalising culture, social media has become an increasingly popular part of our daily lives. Regardless of the distance separating them, they offer an environment through which individuals may connect, send and receive messages, share information, and engage with one another globally (Sawyer, 2011). Social media has completely permeated society in the digital age and has altered life in general.  Like many of their counterparts in the West, many Nigerian families are mired in the ambiguities of the digital era.   

Social media technology have the power to facilitate or obstruct family communication. One of the most popular activities among family members is using social networking websites in communication. A social media site is any website that enables social interaction. This includes social networking sites like Facebook, Myspace, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter as well as blogs, gaming and virtual worlds like Club Penguin, Second Life, and the Sims. These websites, which have risen rapidly in recent years, provide a platform for pleasure and communication for today's young. Given that not all social media platforms are safe spaces for young people, it is crucial that parents understand the nature of these platforms (O’Keeffe & Clark-Pearson, 2011).

Social media usage is now commonplace in Nigerian homes. The modern world uses it as a potent instrument for communication, education, and entertainment. Similar to this, social media exposure and accessibility are partly responsible for many modern innovations  (Sanda & Kurfi, 2013). There is, however, ongoing discussion about whether the strength of this influence and its pervasive availability have positive or bad effects on various elements of our lives, particularly in family sustainability. It is to this the study Social Media Relationship And Family Sustainability: a Study Of  Foreign Students And Their  Families In Akuku-Toru Lga Rivers State

1.2 STAEMENT OF PROBLEM

Early internet usage studies revealed that excessive use could result in addiction, but at the time being online also required a person to physically go to the location of the computer. In other words, it was a conscious decision. Furthermore it is shown that those who spent more time online spent less time with their families, which made them feel lonely and melancholy. Other research claimed that there was a decline in in-person interactions and that excessive Internet use is linked to unhealthy family ties, which results in a smaller social network. Low amplitude In comparison to high intensity Internet users, internet users had better relationships with their parents and friends. Internet use is inversely correlated with social involvement levels. Previous studies have indicated that home computing may reduce family free time. Internet use has been linked to increasing social isolation and decreased social support. Online social relationships and interactions are different from those seen in real-world settings. Family members found that they spent less time engaging with their family after utilising the internet more frequently to contact with non-household members. Internet usage has the potential to cause social and family withdrawal. Overall, there is some evidence that using the Internet causes social bonds to weaken and social isolation to rise. However, not only are these findings refuted by other research, but all of these experiments were conducted before mobile phones were widely used for easy access. It's possible that this has made it possible for access to be made simpler. Effectively, it is possible to participate in a family or social event and rapidly communicate with people who are not in the room. It is to this the study centers on social media relationship and family sustainability: a study of foreign students and their families in akuku-toru Lga Rivers state.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The objective of the study is examine Social Media Relationship And Family Sustainability: A Study Of  Foreign Students And Their  Families In Akuku-Toru Lga Rivers State. other specific objectives include:

1 To outline the benefits of social media towards family sustainability among foreign students and their families in akuku-toru lga rivers state

2 To assess the level of social media usage among foreign students and their families in akuku-toru lga rivers state

3 To examine the impact of social media on family sustainability among foreign students and their families in akuku-toru lga rivers state

4 to examine the Impact of Social media on family communication and social interaction towards family sustainability among foreign students and their families in akuku-toru lga rivers state

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1 what are the benefits of social media towards family sustainability among foreign students and their families in akuku-toru lga rivers state ?

2 what is the level of social media usage among foreign students and their families in akuku-toru lga rivers state ?

3 what is the impact of social media on family sustainability among foreign students and their families in akuku-toru lga rivers state?

4 what is the Impact of Social media on family communication and social interaction towards family sustainability among foreign students and their families in akuku-toru lga rivers state?

1.5 HYPOTHESIS

HO: There is no significant impact of social media on family sustainability among foreign students and their families in akuku-toru lga rivers state

H1: There is a significant impact of social media on family sustainability among  foreign students and their families in akuku-toru lga rivers state

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study will be of profound benefits to enlighten the teachers and government on social media relationships and family sustainability. This study would also be of immense benefit to students and scholars who are interested in developing further studies on the subject matter.

1.7 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study is restricted to social media relationship and family sustainability: The Study Is Delimited To  foreign Students And Their Families In Akuku-Toru Lga Rivers State

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1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview)

Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.9 Operational Definition Of Terms

Social media (social networking site): Social media or social networking site (SNS) interchangeably, refers to the online platform in the internet which allows users create their virtual profiles, social network and relations with other users. For the purpose of this study, SNS covers the mainstream platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Family sustainability: Sustainable Family Development applies the three pillars of sustainable development (social equity, economic viability, and environmental conservation) to families, through a series of family-chosen, family-directed projects.