<p>Comparing the extent and pattern of use of social networking sites by medical and non medical university students: a multi-center study</p>

Abstract

Objectives Although use of social networking sites (SNSs) for fun and leisure is escalating, educational use of SNSs by students is low. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of data about the use of SNSs by students from different faculties. This study compared patterns and extent of use of SNSs among medical and nonmedical university students. Methods A 21-statement questionnaire was administered to the students of medical colleges of two Saudi universities and nonmedical students of two Chinese universities. Demographic data, nature of SNSs, and strategies used for sharing knowledge were collected and analyzed. Results Of 2,350 respondents, 92% used SNSs for various reasons. Overall, 624 (26.6%) students used SNSs for education and found these sites to be useful ( P =0). Educational use of SNSs was significantly higher in medical than nonmedical students ( P =0). However, nonmedical students found SNSs more useful for social connections than medical students, with mean rankings of 1,328 and 978, respectively. WhatsApp use was significantly greater among medical students, while WeChat was more popular with nonmedical students ( P =0). Conclusion This study reports low use of SNSs for education by university students. For sharing knowledge, WhatsApp was more popular among medical students and WeChat for nonmedical students. This research demands educational reforms that can uniformly embed the use of social media in teaching and learning pedagogies across disciplines.

<p>Medical student perspectives on the application of social media in higher education [Letter]</p>

“…Their work found that it not only improved exam scores, but also reflective practice and empathy, both of which are essential skills for doctors. They also noted that these platforms improved learner engagement, feedback and personal development, thus reinforcing the positive effects described in the article by Guraya et al1…”

“…We read the article by Guraya et al1 with great interest. We were fascinated by the idea that social media could be integrated into medical curricula and be used as an educational platform in the future.…”

“…Guraya et al1 suggest that social media’s role in higher education is currently under-utilised and has greater potential in the future. Cheston et al2 explored the effects of integrating social media tools into medical curricula.…”

“…Although social media has shown a number of educational advantages, it can, arguably, be perceived to be a double-edged sword. In 2018, there were 2.32 billion monthly Facebook users,1 with this number on course to continue to rise. A study by Andreassen3 warns us of the potential addictive aspect of social media that we must be wary of.…”

<p>Medical student perspectives on the application of social media in higher education [Response to Letter]</p>

“…The concern raised by the author of letter to the editor about sensitive issues of privacy and confidentiality need attention. As detailed in my article, injudicious use of SNSs by university students is never recommended as such usage will end up with breach in confidentiality and violation of societal norms and cultural boundaries 3. As we know that the students are increasingly involved in e-learning platforms that are developed and powered by institutional support.…”