STUDENT DIGITAL PERSONALITY IN GROUP CHATS: FEATURES AND DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The paper analyzes the role of instant messaging in the educational process in relation to its benefits for academic studies, personal development and social interaction. The popularity of communication in group chats is often explained by the availability of technical features such as easy file sharing, the simultaneous exchange of messages with many users, the chat memory, and integrated multimedia elements. The concept of а digital personality in instant messaging is associated with the person’s conscious, purposeful activities influenced by individual characteristics, such as social outlook, mental traits, motivation, and language proficiency. Anonymous self-identification is typical for students’ profiles. They conceal their true identity for cybersecurity reasons as well as for protection from unwanted attention or criticism. Moreover, anonymity helps insecure users to socialize. Engaging students in professional communities, drawing their attention to the profiles of online authorities motivate students to be conscious of their virtual images and to acquire the competencies necessary for skilled participation in professional networks. Based on an analysis of recently published theoretical and empirical contributions, the main functions of posts in instant messengers were determined. The functions cover educational, discursive, emotional aspects of work in group chats, as well as informational and social support. They are considered in connection to behavioral patterns as manifestations of digital personalities. A content analysis of messages indicates the areas of students’ learning which require a response from instructors or classmates. At the cognitive level, students might need somebody to explain and clarify the material under study. At the emotional level, they might share feeling with other group members, expressing personal attitudes toward the information being provided and educational challenges. Informational and social support in the chat improves relationships within the team and helps students to develop the competencies necessary for collaborative work. Investigating academic activities in messengers are of significant relevance because they contribute to broadening students’ skills employed in constructing their digital personalities.