Psicothema was founded in Asturias (northern Spain) in 1989, and is published jointly by the Psychology Faculty of the University of Oviedo and the Psychological Association of the Principality of Asturias (Colegio Oficial de Psicología del Principado de Asturias).
We currently publish four issues per year, which accounts for some 100 articles annually. We admit work from both the basic and applied research fields, and from all areas of Psychology, all manuscripts being anonymously reviewed prior to publication.
Mercedes González Sanmamed1, Pablo César Muñoz Carril2 and Isabel Dans Álvarez de Sotomayor3
Background: The aim of this research was to identify those factors which motivate the use of social networks by 4th year students in Secondary Education between the ages of 15 and 18. Method: 1,144 students from 29 public and private schools took part. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling technique. Results: Versatility was confirmed to be the variable which most influences the motivation of students in their use of social networks. The positive relationship between versatility in the use of social networks and educational uses was also significant. Conclusions: The characteristics of social networks are analysed according to their versatility and how this aspect makes them attractive to students. The positive effects of social networks are discussed in terms of educational uses and their contribution to school learning. There is also a warning about the risks associated with misuse of social networks, and finally, the characteristics and conditions for the development of good educational practice through social networks are identified.
Factores que motivan el uso de las redes sociales por los estudiantes. Antecedentes: el objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar aquellos factores que motivan el uso de redes sociales por parte del alumnado de 4º curso de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria con edades entre los 15 y 18 años. Método: participaron 1.144 estudiantes de 29 centros educativos públicos, privados y concertados. Se utilizó un método de encuesta y los datos fueron analizados en base a la técnica de ecuaciones estructurales “Partial Least Squares”. Resultados: se constata que la versatilidad es la variable que más influye en la motivación de uso de las redes sociales por parte de los estudiantes. También resulta significativa la relación positiva entre la versatilidad en el uso de las redes sociales respecto a la utilidad educativa. Conclusiones: se analizan las características de las redes sociales en cuanto a su versatilidad y cómo ello las hace atractivas a los estudiantes. Se discuten los efectos positivos de las redes sociales en cuanto a su utilidad educativa y su contribución al aprendizaje escolar. Se alerta sobre los peligros que pueden derivarse de un empleo inadecuado de las redes sociales y se identifican los rasgos y condiciones para el desarrollo de buenas prácticas educativas mediante redes sociales.
SPANISH
ENGLISH
https://doi.org/10.7334/psicothema2016.127