ABSTRACT

Vargas, Rochelle B., Reverente, Martin A., Regacho, Sarah Elizabeth B., "THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL NETWORICING SITES TO NURSING STUDENTS IN AQUINAS UNIVERSITY OF LEGAZPI," (An Undergraduate Thesis, Aquinas University College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Rawis, Legazpi City, 2013)

The objectives of this study were to discuss the effects brought about by social networking sites as perceived by the nursing students in Aquinas University of Legazpi; to recognize the factors influencing the nursing students on the use of it; to identify proposed measures to enhance the knowledge of the nursing students on the influence of social networking sites.

The study aimed to assess The Influence of Social Networking Sites to Nursing
Students in Aquinas University of Legazpi. It aimed to answer the following questions:
1.) What is the profile of the respondents in terms of a.) Age, b.) Gender, c.) Year level,
2.) What effects are brought about by social networking sites as perceived by nursing
students in Aquinas University of Legazpi in terms of

a.) Physical aspect,
b.)Psychological aspect,
c.) social aspects,

3.) What factors influence the nursing students to use social networking sites?, 4.) What measures may be proposed to enhance the
knowledge of the respondents on the influence of social networking sites?

The study made used of quantitative approach of research. It made use of 2 sources of data, namely the primary and secondary data. The primary data were elicited from the nursing students enrolled in Aquinas University of Legazpi. While the secondary sources were drawn from the records and files of the registrar's office in order to substantiate the findings. The related literature and studies were extracted from books, journal and internet websites. Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions were drawn. The large number of students enrolled in Aquinas University College of Nursing and Health Sciences belong to the 4th year level. Majority of the students in the said college were female. Also most of the nursing students in this study were found to be 16-20 years of age. It was also well not d from the findings that with social networking sites like Facebook, Tweeter and MySpace.com, it is almost easy to retrieve personal information about someone and use it to harm them. It also affects the student's academic performance which may cause an increase in the number of failing grades.

According to the data gathered, the greatest effect brought about by social networking sites as perceived by the nursing students of Aquinas University of Legazpi in terms of physical aspect was that the prolong use of social networking sites may cause migraine, eyes strain, dizziness, body aches, fatigue and restlessness. Meanwhile for psychological aspect, most of the respondents believed that social networking sites can cause stress, anxiety, agitation and depression. In terms of social aspects "socializing through online can lead to dangers of cyber stalking, harassment, cyber bullying if the user lacks understanding of what should be held back", is rampant in the use of social networking sites that probably yielded effects in the social behavior of the students in general. The respondents in Aquinas University of Legazpi, College of Nursing and Health Sciences believed that the primary factors which influenced the use of social networking sites is "to stay in contact with immediate family, relatives and friends".

The best appropriate measure were proposed to enhance the knowledge of the respondents on the influence of social networking sites rendered by Aquinas University of Legazpi Nursing Student is time management or having a schedule time in using Internet - social networking sites, in this approach they will not tend to be addicted and obsessed over it. They could also learn to be responsible towards their actions relative to occurring problems on their physical, psychological and social well-being.

Based on the findings and conclusions presented, the researchers arrived at the following recommendations. 1. Aligned with what effects brought about by social networking sites as perceived by the nursing students in Aquinas University of Legazpi are: 1.1 On Physical Aspect, the Aquinas University of Legazpi nursing students, are aware regarding the terrible physical effects of social networking sites, they should not stop to know of its dangers, rather they must be guided of what they already knew and improve the way they treat those effects. 1.2 On Psychological Aspect, the Aquinas University of Legazpi nursing students should not overuse and misuse media technology because it has negative effects that will surely make them prone to stress, anxiety, agitation and depression. 1.3 On Social Aspect, the Aquinas University of Legazpi nursing students socializing online should be aware, concerned and observant of the perils of social networking sites. A better understanding of the privacy and safety issues is a great help in combating cyber bullying. Connecting and communicating online have become an integral part of life today, but they bear potential harm, face to face or real human interactions will never be replace. 2. The Aquinas University of Legazpi nursing students should know that the reason in joining social networking sites is first to establish identity in order to showcase and build a visible record of themselves.

Then they can build connections and be part of the community. The right use of social networking sites will leave the students in jeopardy. For addiction and obsession not to arise students should manage their time in getting online. Management of time also is beneficial for them not to be distracted in their academic pursuits. The students should take their parents advice for they also have an important role in properly guiding their children on the appropriate use of social networking sites. 3. The Aquinas University of Legazpi Nursing Student to enhance the knowledge on the influence of social networking sites must have a wide understanding of the immense influence of social networking sites physically, mentally and socially ; there must have a need for time management or plan a schedule time in using social networking sites; should be aware of individuals online who are obsessed and paranoids; must know if the government blocked some sites for safety purposes and must be responsible to know the advantages and disadvantages of social networking sites.