Impact of social networking websites among nursing students

Social networking websites provide tools by which people can communicate, share information, and create new relationships. Social networking websites have affected our social interaction by changing the way we interact face-to-face how we receive information and the dynamics of our social groups and friendships. Approximately 75% of all online adults maintain atleast one social network profile. Face book can be distracting and can negatively impact learning. Studies found that middle school, high school and college students who checked Face book at least once during a 15 minute study period achieved lower grades. Use of social networking websites can have both negative and positive impact on the nursing students. Thus the need for research was felt, as it is one of the neglected areas. Study was conducted to assess the impact of use of social networking websites among nursing students in selected hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab. The objectives of the study were to assess the impact of social networking sites among nursing students and to assess the relationship of impact of social networking websites in nursing students with selected variables – age, gender, residence, academic performance, type of course, year of course, family income, pocket money and class attendance. A quantitative research approach and non-experimental descriptive research design was considered appropriate. The total sample size for the study was 150 nursing students. Purposive sampling technique was used to collect the data. Impact of students was assessed with the help of structured 5 point likert scale. . The findings of the study revealed that 54.67% students were having positive impact and 45.33% students were having negative impact regarding use of social networking websites.