The use of social media by academics in an accounting sciences program

Abstract

This study explores the use of social media by students in an Accounting Sciences program, assessing its impact on their academic training and professional development. The research, quantitative and descriptive in nature, was conducted through a questionnaire administered to 50 Accounting Sciences students, ranging from the first to the final semester at a higher education institution. The data reveal that most students primarily use platforms such as WhatsApp, followed by Instagram, due to their ease of communication and information sharing. In contrast, Facebook has experienced a significant decline in relevance within this specific group. The study highlights that other platforms, such as LinkedIn, are rarely used to access
internship and job opportunities. However, excessive and unregulated use of social media can result in considerable distractions, negatively impacting academic productivity. The findings indicate that, when managed in a balanced and strategic manner, social media can serve as a valuable resource for academic enrichment and for preparing students for the job market, fostering both continuous learning and the expansion of professional networks.