Professional Socialization of Students Using Social Media Tools

The issue of socialization is one of the most important in sociology, psychology, pedagogy, and philosophy. The socialization of university students is an extremely significant process, both for contemporary Russian society as a whole and for the personal development of each future specialist in particular. That is why the study of students' professional socialization through the use of social media tools is intended to help create favorable conditions for the development of well-rounded, physically and psychologically healthy, and spiritually enriched members of society. The aim of this article was to determine the impact of social media on the professional socialization of students. Using survey methods and mathematical statistics, significant differences were identified between student groups depending on their involvement in professional online communities. The study revealed that students who are registered in professional and educational groups-i.e., those who use social media tools in the process of professional socialization-are more likely to express a desire to become highly qualified specialists in their chosen field; they consider such qualities as education, professionalism, diligence, perseverance, creativity, and the ability to generate new ideas to be important. These students tend to use effective learning practices and are more oriented toward working in their field of study and engaging in scientific research.