Information Sharing for Academic Purposes: A Mixed Method Investigation into the Use of Social Networking Tools for Learning among Undergraduate Students at Kuwait University

ABSTRACT This study uses an exploratory, sequential mixed method design to explore how Kuwaiti students share academic information using social media. Phase I involved in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews with 12 undergraduates; in Phase II, 683 students completed online questionnaires. Extensive use of social media, especially WhatsApp groups, was discovered, and the main patterns were providing information, exchanging information, and non‐sharing. Before sharing, students evaluated information accuracy, provided instructions, and reviewed information with others. Motivations for sharing were enjoyment in helping others, mutual interest, enhancing one's reputation, and reciprocity; reasons for non‐sharing included self‐doubt, fear of information being used for cheating, and competition. Class news, summaries, class notes and materials were shared for group projects, written assignments, presentations, and exams. Online leering used during COVID‐19 accelerated sharing behaviors, and older students shared more actively and in more diverse patterns. A new conceptual model was drawn to explain these complex behaviors, and recommendations were provided for supporting them.