This paper describes the rate of adoption, frequency and uses of Social Media by young people in the Caribbean Region of Colombia. We report a cross-sectional survey of 502 youngsters (16 to 28 years) enrolled to the National Learning Service or Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA). Findings show that the average adoption rate of Social Media was 68 %, being the most frequently used Facebook (69.4 %), Google+ (57.6 %), Instagram (45.6 %) and Twitter (42.6 %). Data revealed that the main uses of Social Media by young Colombians were to read news stories, followed by connecting with friends and relatives, and finding music and videos. This is the first study in Colombia with youngsters belonging to low-income families but with frequent access to Internet, which contributes to understand the importance of Social Media in this vulnerable group. Our findings might also help to identify useful possibilities of new media for young people. Finally, we discuss practical implications of the results.El estudio examinó el grado de adopción y uso que los jóvenes entre los 16 a 28 años hacen de los medios sociales. 502 jóvenes colombianos fueron encuestados mediante un análisis cuantitativo de tipo correlacional. Los resultados mostraron que el grado de adopción de los principales medios sociales es de 68%, donde  Facebook, Google +, Instagram y Twitter, son los medios usados con mayor frecuencia. Los datos también revelan que el su uso principal de los medios sociales es informarse con noticias. Se discuten las implicaciones teóricas y prácticas del estudio.