Facebook vs. Your GPA

Researchers at Ohio State University are presenting findings this week that link Facebook activity to GPA.  From the CNET article:

Yes, researchers at Ohio State University have delved deep into the habit that is Facebook and concluded that those who express their membership regularly do worse in school tests.  In fact, they say, the majority of those who Facebook daily do worse by as much as one whole grade.

While the CNET writer is calling the research “technically incorrect,” I’ll reserve judgment until I’ve read the academic article.  It will be interesting to see the statistics they used and research methodologies employed.  I have a nagging suspicion that the decline in GPA might be more closely linked to lack of focus and attention to schoolwork than to strict Facebook usage.  I have a feeling Facebook is just the latest way that students can postpone working on assignments.

The research will be presented at the American Educational Research Association later this month.