Social media and education: perspectives on digital inclusion in the university setting

Abstract

Social networks have become pivotal in education, offering opportunities for inclusive learning experiences. This study seeks to understand the role of social networks in educational inclusion by analyzing students' usage, motivations, and perceived benefits. It focuses on identifying usage patterns, main activities, and perceptions regarding the impact of social networks on communication, interpersonal relationships, and access to educational information. A quantitative approach was employed, gathering data through a questionnaire from 355 university students of the specialty of secondary education in Lima during the 2023-2 semester. Statistics on social media usage, predominant activities, and perceived benefits associated with their use were analyzed. Findings revealed high social media usage, with WhatsApp (96.9%) being the most used platform, followed by Facebook (63.4%) and Instagram (40.6%). Main activities were entertainment (67%), family communication (60.8%), and education (57.2%). Students also valued improved interpersonal relationships (31.5%) and access to information (69.9%). Social networks play a crucial role in educational inclusion, providing opportunities for communication, collaboration, and information access. The need to balance their use and address challenges like digital dependency, prioritizing student well-being in the digital age, is emphasized.