Digital Worlds in Higher Education in the Post-Pandemic Period Risk Behaviors, Addictions, and Future Perspectives

Abstract

This research aimed to understand what remained and what changed in digital behaviours among higher education students, taking into account the transformations brought about by the pandemic. The study considered students’ own practices, their perceptions of their peers’ behaviours, and society's norms. It also sought to explore how they envisioned the future in relation to digital worlds. Four Focus Group Discussions were conducted – two in person and two online – with students from various fields: Sciences and Technologies (CT); Education and Social Intervention (EIS); Health (S); and Teacher Training and Other Education Professionals (FPP). In total, 37 students from the three cycles of study participated. All sessions were audio recorded, then transcribed and coded using the content analysis software QDA Miner Lite. The results indicate a high degree of agreement among the groups, despite their academic diversity. Participants concurred that during the pandemic period, a series of changes occurred across various contexts such as consumption habits, educational practices, and social and convivial behaviors – many of which are still ongoing. The category that gathered the most contributions concerned risk behaviors and addictions, reflecting students’ concern about the excessive use and omnipresence of digital tools. Regarding the future, a sense of pessimism stood out, particularly in relation to the future of younger generations and the changing configuration of the labor market.