Determination of problematic use of social networks by university students

Abstract

The uses of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in general, and the Internet specifically, are present on a daily basis in many people’s lives. It is a fact that we are a part of a digital society, and therefore new generations belong to the so-called “digital natives” group. In this context, new problems have emerged, related to the misuse or abuse of certain ICT tools, such as social networks. The main purpose of this study was to carry out an analysis of the uses of social networks by students from the Early Childhood Education Degree and the Primary Education Degree at the University of Cordoba (Spain). Data collection was performed using an adapted version of the Internet Addiction Test. The results obtained showed that students did not perceive their behavior as adverse regarding the use of the Internet and social networks. Also, we have to highlight that the women manifested more problematic uses of social networks than the men. In conclusion, we can state that teachers in training do not evidence a harmful use of social networks. Nevertheless, we consider that this conclusion should be taken cautiously and further research is needed about this aspect of ICT.