The use of the internet and social networks in academic performance in the Licentiate Degree in Biological Sciences at a higher education institution in Triângulo Mineiro

Abstract

Considering the growing use of social networks by higher education students, inside and outside the classroom, this study aims to analyze whether there is a relationship between the use of the internet, social networks and the academic performance of undergraduates. For the development of the research, data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire and subsequent verification and comparison with the average performance in the course. Twenty-four undergraduates enrolled in the final periods of the Licentiate Degree in Biological Sciences at a higher education institution in Triângulo Mineiro took part in this study. The results obtained in this research showed us that the use of social networks negatively affects the academic performance of the participants. The study time factor can also be relevant to the academic performance of respondents. However, factors such as daily hours of internet browsing and attendance in classroom classes do not significantly intervene in this research.