Perceptions and Utilization of Social Media among Gen Z Student Nurses in a Private Nursing School

Abstract

Background: Social media has become a prominent topic in education as it is increasingly integrated into the daily lives of Generation Z (Gen Z) student nurses. This integration presents both perceived benefits and challenges in adopting digital platforms within the academic setting. Methodology: This descriptive-correlational study determined the perceptions of Gen Z student nurses toward social media and its utilization, specifically in terms of academic use, academic communication, and personal use. A sample of 325 Gen Z student nurses was calculated using the Raosoft sample size calculator. The respondents were selected through stratified sampling from first- to fourth-year levels. Ethical clearance was obtained prior to the study. Data were collected using an adopted questionnaire distributed via an online Google Form and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman's rho. Results: The findings revealed a generally positive perception of social media among Gen Z student nurses. Utilization was predominantly focused on personal use and academic communication, while academic-related use of social media was comparatively less frequent. Furthermore, the correlation analysis indicated a significant relationship between perceptions of social media and its utilization. Conclusion: Perception significantly influences the utilization of social media among Gen Z student nurses. The platforms are primarily used for academic interaction and personal engagement, while their integration for scholarly purposes remains limited. This demonstrates Gen Z student nurses’ preferences and pattern of social media usage. Embracing social media within educational contexts may provide a supportive academic environment for student nurses, provided that institutional and academic guidance are in place.