Communication students in social media: Comparative study among Brazil, Colombia and Spain

Abstract Research on social media has generated important data and reflections on the conception and the type of use young users make of the digital online platforms. However, studies that analyze young people from a greater profile segmentation and specification are required. This article presents the results of a research carried out in Brazil, Colombia and Spain, with a sample composed exclusively of university students from the field of communication. The study focuses on analyzing how students (and future communicators) value and use social media and how important these tools are for their training and professional future. A hybrid methodology based on a matrix survey with quantitative and open questions was used. It may be concluded that communication students value social media positively and conceive them as a consolidated and long-lasting phenomenon, as well as a useful mean to obtain information or contact professionals. Nonetheless, it was observed that the students are concerned about the loss of recognition and credibility of journalists in social media and, more specifically, of politicians and government sources.