Perception and practices towards the use of social networking sites and artificial intelligence for academic purposes among postgraduate students in various health science courses in South India

Background. Social networking sites (SNSs) provide postgraduate students with numerous opportunities for educational networking in their field of specialization. Artificial intelligence (AI) is another promising tool that has enhanced the learning experiences of postgraduate students. Despite the various advantages of incorporating these platforms and technologies in postgraduate training in education, research, and patient care, postgraduate students pursuing health science courses have expressed various con-cerns related to their usage. Objectives. To assess the perceptions and practices of postgraduate students pursuing health science courses regarding the use of SNSs and AI for educational purposes, research, and patient care and to determine their determinants. Material and methods. Data was collected via a self-administered questionnaire designed as a Google form. Results. Of the 204 participants, 153 (75.0%) used SNSs for academic purposes. The most common benefit gained by the users con-cerning SNSs was faster access to information, whereas the most common drawback stated was a lack of authentic data. 158 (77.4%) participants favored its use for postgraduate training. 165 (80.9%) participants had used AI tools for academic purposes. The most common benefit gained by the users of AI was faster access to information, and the most common drawback was that it limits critical thinking. A total of 166 (81.4%) favored its usage for postgraduate training. 100 (49%) participants wanted some form of training in the use of AI applications. Place of residence and type of course were associated with the use of SNSs for academic purposes. Favorable perceptions of using SNSs and AI for academic purposes were associated with the usage of SNSs (p < 0.001) and AI (p = 0.008), respectively, among postgraduate students. Conclusions. At least three-fourths of postgraduate students had used SNSs used SNSs or AI for academic purposes. Favorable perceptions were associated with the use of SNSs and AI. Hence, there is a need to conduct training programs among all health science postgraduate students to give them the right perspective of these platforms and to encourage their usage.