The Trends of Use of Social Media by Medical Students

Introduction: As the online environment has evolved, the use of social networking sites (SNSs) has been integrated into the methods of teaching. Students across the world are currently using SNSs to enhance 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 their learning. The survey consisted of 23 questions (Likert-style, multiple choice, yes/no, and short answer questions). 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 mostly use SNSs for these particular subjects because the material posted is engaging. Sixty percent (60%) of students use SNSs to communicate with their colleagues and 59.8% stated that they prefer Facebook groups over pages. They prefer sample tests/quizzes and study guides (65.6%), followed by explanatory comments and an answer to a question (54.2%), etc. The downside of the use of social media in education is distraction and privacy issues. Conclusion: SNSs are used by the majority of students to enhance their learning, but to use them to their fullest; the material posted has to be concise, engaging and aligned with the learning objectives. Social media are contemporary and efficient communication tools that educators cannot overlook; the challenge is to choose the right platform, the amount and quality of the information shared to ensure optimal benefit and collaboration of the students.