Size and Intensity of Use in Digital Social Networks: How it is Related with Personal and Social Skills Perceived by University Students?

Abstract

Introduction. There are a series of personal and social skills that are presumably relevant not only in face-to-face interaction but also through digital social networks (DSN). This paper analyses the profile of interaction in DSN based on gender, age, size of DSN and intensity of use. In addition, we analyse the personal and social skills in DSN perceived by a group of university students, and how variables such as gender, age, size of RSD and intensity of use predict personal and social skills in DSN.  Method. Participants in the study included a total of 257 university students who completed the Questionnaire of Perceived Personal and Social Skills in DSN. Results. The results showed that men possessed larger DSN, while the intensity of use was higher in women. In terms of age, younger university students had larger DSN and higher intensity of use. Similarly, university students indicated that they had more personal skills in DSN than social skills. Gender or age, did not explain the personal or social skills in DSN but did the size and intensity of use of DSN. Discussion. In short, those who have broader networks and greater possibilities for interaction would achieve a better level of personal skills, while those who spend more time could foster their social skills within the RSD framework