The Uses of Social Networks and Their Consequences Among Cameroonian Students

This study aims to understand the attraction of Cameroonian students to social networks during the teaching-learning process and to report on their uses and consequences in the process of their training and their lives in general. To achieve this objective, an online survey through Google Forms was conducted in two phases with 297 students enrolled in Cameroonian universities and colleges from October to December 2021. The results show that WhatsApp, Google, Facebook, YouTube, Telegram, etc., are used, among other things, for information, communication, entertainment, research, sharing and/or reading lessons, and teaching at a distance. Despite the loss of concentration, time, laziness and addictions that they can cause, they facilitate the research process, the deepening and discovery of the lessons, the open-mindedness and punctuality. Self-discipline, organisational skills, awareness and the adoption of responsible behaviour are strategies in order to curb the adverse effects of their use. The study, therefore, concludes that the growing popularity of these media among students is explained by the advantages and ease of use they offer. Article visualizations: