Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques

2019, Volume 7, Issue 3, Pages: 389-393

Healthy Lifestyle and Social Networks: Trajectory

of Their Intersections in Student Life

Guseyn B. Magomedov , Elena V. Veretennikova , Sergey V. Ulyankin , Stanislav E.

Martynenko , Tatyana G. Ilkevich , Inessa S. Karnaukh , Liliya V. Borisova

North-Caucasian Institute (Branch), All-Russian State University of Justice (RPA of the Ministry of Justice or Russia),

Makhachkala, Russia, E-mail: guseynrpa333@mail.ru

Rostov Institute (Branch), All-Russian State University of Justice (RPA of the Ministry of Justice or Russia), Rostov on Don,

Russia, E-mail: alena.verlen80@yandex.ru

Department of Physical Education and Sports, Vladimir State University named after Alexander Grigoryevich and Nikolai

Grigoryevich Stoletov, Vladimir, Russia, E-mail: etk-ayan@mail.ru

Department of Theory and History of International Relations, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University),

Moscow, Russia, E-mail: martynenko-se@rudn.ru

Department of Physical Education and Life Safety, Gzhel State University, Elektroizolyator, Russia, E-mail: ilktg@mail.ru

Information Library Center named after Academician L.I. Abalkin, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russia,

E-mail: karnaukh.is@rea.ru

Department of Legal Regulation of Economic Activity, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation,

Moscow, Russia, E-mail: lilya-borisova@yandex.ru

*Corresponding author email: guseynrpa333@mail.ru

Received: 06/06/2019

Accepted: 10/08/2019 Published: 20/08/2019

Abstract

The relevance of this article is the need to analyze and study the integration of healthy lifestyles and social networks, which leads

to serious changes in the protection and promotion of student health. Modern information-based society opens up new horizons for

the system of a healthy lifestyle and social networks that can change many aspects of student life. The aim of the study is to analyze

the effectiveness of interaction between social networks and healthy lifestyles of students. The leading methods for the study of this

problem is the method of questioning, which allows to analyze the effectiveness of the interaction of social networks and healthy

lifestyles of students, to get acquainted with the meanings that informants give to their activities, and to make it possible to get their

explanations of what is happening. The article deals with theoretical and methodological aspects of students' perception of a healthy

lifestyle presented in social networks. The degree of importance of communities on a healthy lifestyle in the social network

Vkontakte is determined. It is established that the community on a healthy lifestyle are of big value for students, and the information

that is presented in these groups is useful for them and they use it in practice. It is revealed that when choosing groups, students more

often pay attention to the number of participants and content. It is defined that students look through posts in groups on a healthy

lifestyle in Vkontakte daily, but they have no experience of communication with like-minded people. The novelty and originality of

the study lies in the fact that it is shown that at present, social networks and healthy lifestyles interact closely: in social networks

there is a large amount of information, in particular, in groups on healthy lifestyles, but this information is often not motivating for

students to act. Some students argue that the main motivation for a healthy lifestyle is their reflection in the mirror, and social

networks are a tool for achieving positive results. Among the users of social networks there is a subgroup for which social networks

are just a source of useful information, but do not motivate to act. It is shown that the main aspects of a healthy lifestyle in social

networks are sports, proper nutrition, and rejection of bad habits. Many students are interested in only one of the areas of a healthy

lifestyle. It is determined that students support the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, but Express concerns about the quality of

information. The data obtained in the work can be used in value-ology, social psychology, pedagogy, age psychology, sociology, as

well as for further theoretical development of this issue.

Keywords: Student Youth, Healthy Lifestyle, Social Networks.

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2019, Volume 7, Issue 3, Pages: 389-393

Introduction



adding to friends on two grounds: the presence of

real connection (friends, acquaintances, classmates,

In recent years, the focus of many researchers is such a

groupmates, relatives, etc.) and on the principle of similar

interests (groups, communities, etc.) (5, 18, 30).

Thus, the research interest in social networks becomes

relevant, as with the increase in the number of Internet users

multiple problems began to manifest themselves. In particular

taking care of their health, an important need for people,

which increases with age.

A healthy lifestyle is a way to human development in all

spheres of life (labor, social, family, leisure) (21). There are

many definitions of healthy lifestyle:

social phenomenon as a social network (2, 3, 7, 13, 19, 26,

7, 37).

Social networks is a broad concept, which is considered

by both foreign and domestic researchers. Currently, there are

two concepts of social network: social network as a social

structure and social network in the Internet. In the most

common sense, the network is a set of social subjects (actors)

and relations between them, arising based on certain social

(kinship, friendship, neighborhood, professional, etc.)

relations and accompanied, as a rule, by the transfer of

various resources (tangible and intangible) (9, 15, 17, 22, 28,



Optimal everyday human behavior, which allows

0, 36).

The social capital of an individual is more than just a set

him/her to realize all his/her qualities to achieve mental,

physical and social well-being; (25).

of his/her interpersonal relations (ego-network). An important

condition for the existence of social capital is a sense of

community, that is, when a person has a sense of community

with respect to another, is motivated in his/her development

and success, and therefore can mobilize his/her efforts and

resources most willingly and effectively. In today's world,

people are immersed in poorly connected networks, which

are characterized by blurred boundaries, and are often

changing; communities have moved from groups that are

based on close residence to networks that continue to serve as

a source of support and socialization; most ties in the

community are non-intensive and highly specialized, so the

amount of individual social capital is determined by the size

of the network.

Almost all researchers determine that social networks are

integrated based on common goals and interests. According

to A.N. Churakov (2001), there is the following definition of

new socio-cultural groups in cyberspace: these are

communities of people with some common interests who

have been able to establish a close and strong connection with

each other, thanks to the Internet. On the one hand, this is a

new form of social relations, and if we consider this

phenomenon on the other hand, it is the product of the latest

information technologies (4, 10, 11, 13, 16, 20, 31, 32, 33,



Basic understanding of the values of health and its

components; (23).



Behavior that focuses on health promotion and

disease prevention; (29).



Realization of creative potential, thanks to the way of

life organization, etc. (14).

Thus, health is the result of an individual's life, a

reflection of his/her lifestyle, and a healthy lifestyle is a

behavioral response and human activity aimed at preventing

diseases and promoting health (1, 6, 11, 12, 24, 34).

The integration of healthy lifestyles and social networks

is leading to major changes in the protection and promotion

of health. Modern information-based society opens up new

horizons for the system of a healthy lifestyle that can change

many aspects of our lives. Let us note that, if we take into

account the intensive growth of social network users in

Russia, this topic is particularly relevant and promising.

Studying the direction of a healthy lifestyle in social

networks, it should be mentioned that companies that sell

products for a healthy lifestyle actively use them. Nowadays,

health products are very popular. This applies to various

simulators, specialized clothing, healthy nutrition, etc.

Companies constantly advertise these products; give a

detailed description and use motivating information for sales.

In addition to companies that sell products for a healthy

lifestyle, it should be noted that social networks have been

used by sports organizations. Moving from the topic of

Commerce in the field of healthy lifestyles and social

networks, we can highlight such an area as social advertising,

which is aimed at changing the models of social behavior and

drawing attention to the problems of society. It should be

noted that in Russia every year more and more attention is

paid to social advertising of a healthy lifestyle in social

networks. There are various competitions, festivals, events

aimed at abandoning bad habits.

5).

Online communities are a group of people whose

communication is based on the use of Internet technologies

(

forums, chats, social networks, etc.). R.V. Konchalovsky

2010) focuses his point of view on the socio-cultural

grounds that arise in cyberspace relationships of individuals

19). The fundamental element of such integration is

(

community knowledge, i.e. knowledge shared by the majority

of community members. This knowledge contains some ideas

about this community, norms of social interaction and value-

meaning patterns.

Analysis of the above-mentioned concepts, views on the

essence of the concept of social virtual network allows us to

highlight the features of social networks in the Internet;

Materials and Methods

.1 Method of Research



unlimited number of opportunities to exchange

The problem field of our research is determined by the

diverse information (text, photo/video; ability to mark

location, etc.);

fact that with the advent of social networks there is a

transformation of knowledge and relationships, which entails

global changes in the field of healthy lifestyles. Because

social networks that can change people's minds are a

phenomenon of everyday life, this aspect becomes important

for the study.



personal profiles that collect the maximum

amount of information about the user (name, education, place

of work, photos, videos, etc.).);

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Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques

2019, Volume 7, Issue 3, Pages: 389-393

When choosing the object of study, it was important for

us to find such groups of students who are interested in the

topic of a healthy lifestyle. The choice of social network

Vkontakte is because this is the first network where the digital

generation has come. It formed the thematic focus of groups

and concentrated the specifics of Russian society.

majority of students (82%) confirm this idea with their

answers. "I am online 24 hours a day...because now

everything is in the phone that the social network not let me

go...constantly something signals and pulls enter, because the

phone is always at hand..."(2nd year student).

“I spend time in social networks all the time and I often

think that it is necessary to reduce this time, but... (Think.)...It

is almost impossible. I have a job there, and friends, and

everything..."(1st year student).

The objectives of the study were formulated:

) To analyze for what purpose students use social

networks.

) To find out the attitude of students to promote a

However, there are those who visit social networks

rarely. This is prevented by completely different reasons that

informants indicated:

"I spend at most 2 hours a day in social networks.

Moreover, only in one network, others I do not visit. Does

not allow the work, and repair..."(4th year student).

healthy lifestyle in social networks.

) To determine the importance of communities for a

healthy lifestyle in the social network Vkontakte.

) To identify the effectiveness of interaction between

social networks and healthy lifestyle.

"I spend no more than one hour a day in social networks.

.2 Research Program

am working late and have little baby. These

The research program consists of two parts:

methodological and procedural. The average length of the

interview was 15 to 22 minutes.

circumstances do not allow sitting longer, and sometimes you

want..."(3rd year student).

All students (100%) have determined what a healthy

lifestyle is. Their interpretation often coincided with the

expert definition. This suggests that the topic is well

developed. Social networks spread information about ways of

maintaining a healthy lifestyle, spontaneously allocate and

resolve discussions on the issues of health protection and

create individual communities (for example, the group

Vkontakte, full of motivational slogans calling for

maintaining a healthy lifestyle). All informants unanimously

support this idea.

The pilot study revealed that the majority of students

actively used social networks. The first task of our study was

to analyze the purpose for which students used social

networks. Within the framework of this unit, the informants

were asked questions about what social networks they were

registered and for what purpose, how much time spent in

social networks, which groups constantly visited. After

analyzing the answers, we identified the following social

networks, in which the informants are registered: Vkontakte

(

100%), Instagram (100%), Odnoklassniki (83%), Facebook

92%) and Twitter (95%). However, most of the students

The main aspects of a healthy lifestyle are sports, proper

nutrition, and rejection of bad habits. All these areas are

actively developing in social networks. Each user has the

opportunity to choose exactly what he needs. Informants,

mostly (86%), combine all aspects and believe that they are

surveyed practically did not use the social networks

Odnoklassniki, Facebook, Twitter. From their answers, it

follows: "I registered in addition to Vkontakte in Instagram

and Facebook, but the last two visit very rarely..."(3rd year

student).

inextricably linked. Some students (27%) expressed

different view. They are interested in only one of the areas of

a healthy lifestyle. Students support propaganda, but Express

concerns about the quality of information. Students (86%) are

interested in all areas of a healthy lifestyle. They believe that

it is necessary to pay attention to all components of a healthy

lifestyle. We determined the degree of importance of

communities on a healthy lifestyle in the social network

Vkontakte. We have found that healthy communities are

valuable to informants, and the information that is presented

in these groups is useful to them and they use it in practice.

The most convenient and effective format of information is

photo and video. In General, students trust groups for a

healthy lifestyle (88%), but carefully approach their choice.

Students are in many groups, but one of the most common

groups for a healthy lifestyle is the group 90-60-90 Sports

girls (78%). When choosing groups, students often pay

attention to the number of participants and content (82%).

Informants view posts in groups on a healthy lifestyle in

Vkontakte daily, but they do not have the experience of

communicating with like-minded people (14%).

I registered in Instagram and Vkontakte, but in

Vkontakte I communicate with relatives and friends and find

the information I need, but in Instagram sometimes I just spy

on my friends... that's interesting..."(3rd year student).

I once registered in almost all networks, you know, the

trend was such that it is necessary to be everywhere...

Smiles.) Therefore, I am in Odnoklassniki, Facebook,

(

Twitter, and to be honest, I do not even remember how to use

them... (Laughs), I do not go into them, because there is

Vkontakte, our native..."(4th year student)

Results

Social networks become a source of useful information

that users apply in practice and study with interest. Most

informants noted that the purpose of their presence in social

networks is to view groups with useful content (97%). Here is

an example of the answers: "I am mainly interested in self-

development, healthy eating and creativity. It helps to get

useful information for yourself and apply it in everyday life"

In social networks, there is a large amount of information,

in particular, in groups on a healthy lifestyle. This can

motivate users to take any action. Informants mainly

determine that social networks motivate them to keep to a

healthy lifestyle (80%). Some informants argue that the main

motivation for a healthy lifestyle is their reflection in the

mirror, and social networks are a tool for achieving positive

(

2nd year Student). "The main purpose of my presence in

social networks is to draw useful information for me

personally, being in interesting groups" (3rd year Student).

Recently, one of the main forms of leisure activities of

people has become a pastime in social networks. Often, they

do not imagine life without visiting the network. The

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2019, Volume 7, Issue 3, Pages: 389-393

results (12%). Among the users of social networks there is a

subgroup for which social networks are just a source of useful

information, but do not motivate to act (8%).

A huge flow of information passes through social

networks, which is not filtered. It is necessary to control the

content on the part of the administration of social networks,

and on the part of the user is required to more carefully select

groups and verify the accuracy of information. The

informants who trust the community in Vkontakte, but careful

approach to their choice indicate this. Almost all informants

such as Instagram, Facebook, Odnoklassniki. Nevertheless,

Vkontakte is especially active. This project divides a healthy

lifestyle into 3 subgroups Habits, Nutrition, Movement.

Leading Russian health professionals and experts in the field

of healthy lifestyles test materials of Healthy Russia. The

information published on social networks, on the website is

confirmed by research, and contains reliable information. In

the editorial office of the portal and its social networks there

is no advertising Department, and invited experts talk only

about the available and simple ways to maintain health.

Social networks and the portal Healthy Russia are not only

reference articles, interesting news, author's columns, expert

comments and video lessons, but also developed tools that

will help to improve the quality of life. The project provides

an opportunity to find like-minded people and ask a question

to an authoritative expert. The global Internet project of 2018

in the sphere of healthy lifestyle is the all-Russian Internet

competition of youth leisure My alternative, which was

launched by the all-Russian public organization League of the

nation health. The project My alternative is supported by

well-known Olympic Champions, for example, Alexey

Nemov, Irina Slutskaya, Nikolai Valuev, etc. As we can see,

there is a transformation of knowledge and relationships,

which entails global changes in the field of healthy lifestyles.

In social networks, a huge number of communities about the

aspects of a healthy lifestyle (proper nutrition, training,

abandonment of bad habits, etc.), which are freely available.

Social networks present content in a completely different

format for different audiences.

(88%) constantly visit social networks. As a rule, active users

of social networks daily leaf through the news feed, paying

attention only to the communities that they are interested in.

In the case of our informants, they are interested in the topic

of a healthy lifestyle and they admit that they daily view

posts in groups on a healthy lifestyle in Vkontakte.

Currently, social networks and healthy lifestyles interact

closely. According to the informants, the theme of a healthy

lifestyle is popular and actively influences the orientation of

social networks, and social networks, meanwhile, actively

promote a healthy lifestyle, which made a healthy lifestyle a

cult of the 21st century.

Discussions

We have considered the relationship between social

networks and healthy lifestyles on the positive side, but do

not forget that there are also negative aspects. The first

important aspect of the consequences is the inadequate

assessment of information and its misuse in practice. For

example, the implementation of all physical exercises, the use

of diets, the use of various tips without taking into account

the individual characteristics of the body and

contraindications for health. Such a rash approach to a

healthy lifestyle can, on the contrary, lead to undesirable

consequences. The second aspect can be called that

incompetent people often place information about a healthy

lifestyle. It is necessary to control the content on the part of

the administration of social networks, and on the part of the

user is required to more carefully select groups and verify the

accuracy of information.

It should be noted that many girls are members of online

communities that promote weight loss. Often, these public

offer different ways to deal with overweight, asserting their

competence in the matter of nutrition rules, completely

rejecting such a motive for a healthy lifestyle as self-

preservation and cultivating only external attractiveness as

the end result of self-improvement. That is why, before you

start to trust a particular post you need to personally consult

with professionals and carefully study all the information.

Most acutely, this problem finds its place in groups where

there are online consultations that carry a serious risk to the

health of the user. It is necessary to mention the fact that in

social networks there are many groups that are aimed at

preventive measures of human health.

5 Conclusions

Summarizing the above-mentioned, we should highlight

the existing ways to improve the efficiency of interaction

between social networks and healthy lifestyles. Therefore, it

is appropriate: to create more groups that promote healthy

lifestyles and advertise them. It is desirable to run various

actions, competitions on the topic of a healthy lifestyle. For

example, in Vkontakte, competitions for repost are developed.

They, as prizes, use sports equipment, certificates for fitness,

books on healthy eating; healthy food, Thereby promoting a

healthy lifestyle and the efficiency of interaction is

increasing.

It is necessary to instill a love of a healthy lifestyle from

childhood, to promote a healthy family lifestyle in Vkontakte

or other social networks, so that the family can eat properly

together, play sports and browse social networks in search of

useful information, to carry out as many healthy lifestyle

activities as possible at the Federal level. Social networks,

meanwhile, should promptly promote this information;

minimize the promotion of things that are contrary to a

healthy lifestyle. We need strict control over the content,

filtering and a more responsible attitude to what we read. The

more reliable the information, the more effective the

interaction. All of the above-mentioned points to the fact that

the interaction of social networks and healthy lifestyles is

quite effective, but has some problems that can be overcome.

This requires the joint work of society and the state.

It is for the prevention and formation of a healthy

lifestyle, there are a large number of Internet projects that are

actively developing in social networks. A striking example is

the portal Healthy Russia, which is the official resource of the

Ministry of health of the Russian Federation. Its purpose is to

promote the values of a healthy lifestyle. The official

resource Healthy Russia is presented in all social networks,

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