Sapiens or Zappiens:

the connected generation learns more, less, or in a different way?

Abstract

This article is intended to review the literature composed of studies based on the internet use and, more specifically, the use of social networks and their possible impacts on the academic performance. Two decades ago, there was a boom in social network websites, especially Facebook. Since then, researchers began studying the correlations and the effects of using this medium. Some results point to positive aspects, such as the increase in social capital experienced by the users of social networks. At the same time, there are risks related to the act of sharing personal information on-line. Some researches indicate that there is a negative relation between the use of the internet and the academic performance; others demonstrate that establishing this relation is not possible and others. There are also researches stating that there are no differences between the average Facebook user and the average non-user. Academic performance is considered of vital importance while training these youngsters, since it will impact their future professional performances, as well as on the readiness for Defense. It can be concluded that more studies on this subject are necessary, since the question about the relation between the internet use and the academic performance remains largely unanswered. It will be also discussed the concepts of homo zappiens and multitasking.