Is there a "net generation" in veterinary medicine? A comparative study on the use of the Internet and Web 2.0 by...

Informal and formal lifelong learning is essential at university and in the workplace. Apart from classical learning techniques, Web 2.0 tools can be used. It is controversial whether there is a so-called net generation amongst people under 30.

To test the hypothesis that a net generation among students and young veterinarians exists.

An online survey of students and veterinarians was conducted in the German-speaking countries which was advertised via online media and traditional print media.

1780 people took part in the survey. Students and veterinarians have different usage patterns regarding social networks (91.9% vs. 69%) and IM (55.9% vs. 24.5%). All tools were predominantly used passively and in private, to a lesser extent also professionally and for studying.

The use of Web 2.0 tools is useful, however, teaching information and media skills, preparing codes of conduct for the internet and verification of user generated content is essential.