DOI: 10.33631/sabd.1674232 ISSN: 2792-0542

The Impact of Social Media on Professional Interaction and Lifelong Learning of Nurses

Hande Cengiz Açıl, Ayşe Çelik Yılmaz, Aysel Gül, Dilek Aygin
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Aim: This study aims to examine the social media usage habits of nurses and nursing students, the impact of these platforms on professional development, and the potential risk associated with them.Materials and Methods: The research was conducted between 2021 and 2022 and involved a participant group mainly composed of nursing students aged 18-25. A total of 456 nurses and nursing students participated in this descriptive study.Results: The most commonly reported reason for using social media was to obtain up-to-date information (68.4%). Under the positive aspects of social media in the professional context, the most frequently mentioned benefit was enhancing professional organization and interaction (72%). Among the negative aspects, the most cited issue was the spread of incorrect practices and misinformation (66.1%). When examining social media use by age groups, individuals in the 46–60 age group were found to use Facebook and Twitter more than other age groups (p<0.05). In terms of profession, academics were found to use Twitter and Facebook more than students and nurses (p<0.05). When social media use was assessed by years of professional experience, those with 10–20 years of experience were found to use Facebook more frequently (p<0.05).Conclusion: Social media offers significant opportunities for the nursing profession while also bringing the responsibility to use these platforms ethically and consciously. Nurses must be educated about maximizing the benefits of social media use and minimizing its risks.

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