Percepções dos adolescentes sobre o uso das redes sociais e sua influência na qualidade das suas relações interpessoais: estudo de caso na Escola Secundária da Munhuana na Cidade de Maputo

Abstract

This study was developed with the aim of analyzing adolescents' perceptions regarding the use of social networks and their influence on the quality of their interpersonal relationships. For this purpose, a mixed, predominantly qualitative approach was adopted. In terms of objectives, the research is descriptive, in terms of its nature, this is applied research, and regarding procedures, it is configured as a case study. Sampling was carried out by convenience, involving 100 participants from Munhuana Secondary School (58 female and 42 male). For data collection, a Sociodemographic Questionnaire, the Social Network Addiction Scale (SNAS) (in the original Portuguese: EARS - Escala de Adição às Redes Sociais), and semi-structured interviews with a subgroup of 10 adolescents were applied. The content analysis technique was used for the analysis of qualitative data, and quantitative data were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). The results indicate that adolescents show moderate levels of social media use, primarily using them to maintain contact with friends and family. However, they demonstrated discomfort in sharing thoughts and feelings, in addition to reporting difficulties in establishing significant bonds, revealing distrust regarding the authenticity of virtual relationships. Even though social networks allow maintaining contact with distant people, they contribute to the distancing of face-to-face relationships, intensifying the tendency towards isolation. It was observed that, even without severe dependence, the moderate use of social networks compromises the quality of adolescents' interpersonal relationships. It is concluded that there is an inverse relationship between the use of social networks and the quality of interpersonal bonds established by adolescents in the sample , the more time dedicated to the virtual environment, the lower the depth of interpersonal ties tends to be in real life. The study recommends educational interventions and awareness about the conscious use of technology.