IS FACEBOOK HARMFUL? EFFECTS OF INTENSE FACEBOOK USE ON UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ WORK

The advances in social media technology and mobile devices have an important impact on the educational process, in a general context in which the use of social networks have a great influence on many aspects of daily life. However, despite the great potential of social networks in the field of education, the possibilities of applying interactive methodologies that include social networking and turning the actual education in a more attractive format of learning is still in a beginner phase... In this respect, it is obvious that the education providers do not exploit enough such learning environments. However, the objective of this paper is to analyze the negative effects of Facebook use on university students’ work. A summated scale for the Facebook intensity of use has been proposed, by integrating three variables: the number of Facebook friends, the number of daily logs, and the time spent daily. Three Facebook user profiles have been defined based on the intensity of use: low, moderate, and high Facebook intensity. The results show significant group differences which especially as regards the concentration in university and students’ work.