University students and online social networks: Effects and typology

Abstract

Immersed, educated, and raised amid technology, the new student generation is formed by digital natives. The use of online social networks (OSNs) has soared in recent years, and students are among those who have adopted them more enthusiastically. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze how students' academic life is shaped by the use of such networks. After providing a review of the literature on OSNs and their influence on students, this study presents the results of a survey that proved helpful to assess students' opinions in this regard. A typology of students based on their perceptions of OSNs is provided. The findings suggest that students value the positive aspects of OSNs to a much greater extent than they value the negative aspects of OSNs.