GRUPOS DE CLASE; GRUPOS DE WHATSAPP. ANÁLISIS DE LAS DINÁMICAS COMUNICATIVAS ENTRE ESTUDIANTES UNIVERSITARIOS

The widespread use of digital platforms allows consolidating the process denominated by some authors like «era digital». Specifically; smart mobile devices have become a tool that impacts greatly on the daily life and social relationships of its users due to its functionality and versatility. The aim of the present research was to study the role of new digital scenarios (specifically the WhatsApp application) in the communication channels established among university students. Through discussion group analysis; students' use of WhatsApp groups created by themselves in the classroom context was evaluated. The results showed that the potential of this app lies mainly in the immediacy that it offers; making it an attractive resource for simultaneous communication. In addition; its plasticity and capacity to generate interpersonal ties and relational manners different from the classic ones were remarkable. In addition; it was found that groups move from using this tool only for information purposes; to use it as a platform that influences the dynamics of face to face relations; both interpersonal and intergroup ones. Processes of group identification; transmission and distortion of messages; leadership; youth empowerment and participation; among others; emerge.