Límites en el uso profesional de las redes sociales: el perfil de los futuros periodistas

Résumé

This paper approaches the problematique of the appropriate use of social media and its limits on the professional field by measuring the perceptions of Journalism students in Spain. A survey was conducted at the 18 public universities offering the degree (n=1.559). The questionnaire proved a strong internal consistency (α=0,866). The EFAD showed four different dimensions according to the type of social media activity: the controversial use, the critical-informative use, the identity use and the personal use. The use that gathered greater approval was the personal —commenting, sharing anecdotes, talking about work— and the least supported was the controversial —using politically incorrect expressions, arguing with other users—. Furthermore, male students and those interested in political journalism were more inclined to express themselves limitlessly in this kind of spheres. This paper reinforces the theoretical bases and provides new instruments for studies regarding professional autonomy and profiles in the digital environment.