The Trends of Use of Social Media by Medical Students

Abstract

Introduction: As the online environment has evolved, the use of social networking sites (SNSs) hasbeen integrated into the methods of teaching. Students across the world are currently using SNSs toenhance their learning. Objective: This study sought to explore the students’ use of social media,in particular that of Facebook groups in medical education at the University of Ottawa. Methods:Pre-clerkship medical students (n = 160) were surveyed regarding the trends of use of SNSs in theirlearning. The survey consisted of 23 questions (Likert-style, multiple choice, yes/no, and short answerquestions). Results: 94% of respondents use SNSs to facilitate their learning with Facebook (n = 98,97%). Students mostly use Facebook groups for histology (30%), physiology (21%), etc. They mostlyuse SNSs for these particular subjects because the material posted is engaging. Sixty percent (60%) ofstudents use SNSs to communicate with their colleagues and 59.8% stated that they prefer Facebookgroups over pages. They prefer sample tests/quizzes and study guides (65.6%), followed by explanatorycomments and an answer to a question (54.2%), etc. The downside of the use of social media ineducation is distraction and privacy issues. Conclusion: SNSs are used by the majority of students toenhance their learning, but to use them to their fullest; the material posted has to be concise, engagingand aligned with the learning objectives. Social media are contemporary and efficient communicationtools that educators cannot overlook; the challenge is to choose the right platform, the amount andquality of the information shared to ensure optimal benefit and collaboration of the students.