Social network sites have millions of users worldwide with the sites integrated into the daily practices of the users with increasing numbers recorded among university students. Examples of popular social network sites used commonly by university students include Facebook, Bebo, MySpace, Cyworld and many others. The largest of the sites among university students being Facebook created in 2004 by Zuckerberg with its rate of usage at 90% (Stutzman, 2006). In addition, Facebook has stimulated a platform for a lot researches on its various aspects for instance in academics (Hewitt & Forte, 2006). Furthermore the growth of social network sites on schools can be attributed to the growth
The intense usage of social network sites within academic institutions has resulted into social capital formation and on the other hand resulted to new platforms of effective communication. In addition, the social network sites are also associated with social capital measures for instance bonding and bridging of social capital. Furthermore, self esteem moderates the relationship between social capital and social network sites. Individuals who have low self esteem tend to gain confidence from using social network sites as compared with their counterparts who have high self-esteem. This aspect acts as a psychological boost to individuals specifically students who are introverts and can act as an academic boost for them.
Studies conducted earlier on social network sites had data being collected at one-point-in-time thus making it difficult to determine a time order in relationships among users of the social network sites, social capital and self esteem. The growth of social network sites was not phenomenal and popular and thus the underlying reasons which attracted different segments could not be identified. The reports indicated that studies on impacts of SNSs among heavy users like university students need to be conducted since friendship maintenance using social network sites play a significant role in individual psychological development of students. The age group 18 to 25 represents the period between adulthood and adolescence according to Arnett (2000). This stage, as argued by Arnett, is vital to an individual adulthood development since during this period when a person develops social skills like for career orientation, relationship maintenance and self dependency.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1. Background Study
1.2. Overview of SNSs
1.3. Motivation to adopt SNS
1.4. Critique of Social Network Sites
1.5. Internet use, relationships and social capital
1.6. Social capital and Relationships
1.6.1. Types of social capital
1.7. Research Questions
1.8. Hypothesis
1.9. Broad objective
1.9.1. Specific objectives
2. Literature review
2.1. Social network sites: Definition
2.2. Social network sites: History
2.2.1. Friendster
2.2.2. MySpace
2.2.3. Facebook
2.2.4. Students’ lifestyles and SNSs
2.3. Frequency of SNSs and internet overuse among students
2.3.1. SNSs and Privacy
2.3.2. Why students use social network sites
2.4. Percentage of social network site usage among students
2.4.1. Coleman’s Theory-of-Social-Capital
2.4.2. Social-Network-Theory of Social-Capital
2.4.3. Social capital: online and offline
2.5. Social capital and the internet
2.5.1. Social network theory and online community
3. Research Methodology
3.1. Research Design
3.2. Targeted Population
3.3. Sampling Technique and Sample Size
3.4. Pilot Study
3.5. Validity
3.6. Reliability
3.7. Data Collection
3.8. Data Analysis and Preparation
3.9. Logistics and Ethical Considerations
3.10. The study Limitations
4. Data Analysis and Discussion
4.1. Frequency distribution of students by Age and Gender
4.2. Type of Social network sites used
4.3. Duration of using SNS
4.4. Hours per day on social network sites
4.5. Number of sites and Friends
4.6. Reasons for using social network sites
4.7. Social network sites intensity
4.8. Psychological measures
4.9. Bridging of Social capital
4.10. Summary of the key findings
5. Introduction
5.1. Recommendations
5.2. Conclusion
Objectives and Research Themes
The primary objective of this study is to assess the usage patterns of social network sites (SNSs) among university students, specifically examining the frequency of usage, the types of platforms used, and the relationship between SNS activity and the creation of social capital. The research investigates whether heavy SNS usage influences students' academic performance and lifestyle, and how these platforms impact interpersonal communication and the maintenance of both online and offline social ties.
- Analysis of SNS usage frequency and trends among university students.
- Evaluation of social capital formation (bridging and bonding) through SNS usage.
- Examination of the psychological impacts, including the relationship between SNS use and self-esteem.
- Investigation into the influence of SNSs on academic activities and student communication patterns.
Excerpt from the book
1.1. Background Study
Social network sites have millions of users worldwide with the sites integrated into the daily practices of the users with increasing numbers recorded among university students. Examples of popular social network sites used commonly by university students include Facebook, Bebo, MySpace, Cyworld and many others. The largest of the sites among university students being Facebook created in 2004 by Zuckerberg with its rate of usage at 90% (Stutzman, 2006). In addition, Facebook has stimulated a platform for a lot researches on its various aspects for instance in academics (Hewitt & Forte, 2006). Furthermore the growth of social network sites on schools can be attributed to the growth
The intense usage of social network sites within academic institutions has resulted into social capital formation and on the other hand resulted to new platforms of effective communication. In addition, the social network sites are also associated with social capital measures for instance bonding and bridging of social capital. Furthermore, self esteem moderates the relationship between social capital and social network sites. Individuals who have low self esteem tend to gain confidence from using social network sites as compared with their counterparts who have high self-esteem. This aspect acts as a psychological boost to individuals specifically students who are introverts and can act as an academic boost for them.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the rise of social network sites, sets the study's background, defines research objectives and questions, and establishes the hypothesis regarding SNS impacts on students.
2. Literature review: This section provides a comprehensive overview of SNS history, definitions, theories of social capital (Coleman, Lin), and existing research regarding internet overuse and the role of online communities.
3. Research Methodology: This chapter outlines the descriptive cross-sectional survey design, sampling techniques (random and multistage), data collection methods (questionnaires and interviews), and the ethical considerations taken for this study.
4. Data Analysis and Discussion: This section presents the empirical findings, including demographic distributions, SNS usage trends, reasons for usage, the correlation between SNS use and social capital, and a discussion of the study's implications.
5. Introduction: This final chapter offers recommendations for future research, suggests practical applications for university administration, and provides a concluding overview of how students utilize SNSs to maintain relationships and generate social capital.
Keywords
Social Network Sites, SNSs, University Students, Social Capital, Bridging, Bonding, Internet Usage, Self-esteem, Online Community, Facebook, MySpace, Academic Performance, Interpersonal Communication, Digital Relationships, Social Exchange Theory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The work focuses on assessing how university students use social network sites, why they adopt them, and what impacts these platforms have on their academic lives and social interactions.
Which specific themes are addressed in the study?
Key themes include the frequency and duration of SNS use, the formation of social capital, the role of self-esteem in online interaction, and the distinction between bridging and bonding social capital.
What is the primary research objective?
The main objective is to evaluate the usage of social network sites among university students and determine how these sites facilitate the maintenance of relationships and social capital creation.
What scientific methodology was employed?
The study utilizes a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, incorporating both quantitative data from structured questionnaires and qualitative insights from focused group discussions and interviews.
What is covered in the main body of the research?
The main body examines the history of SNSs, theoretical frameworks of social capital, detailed analysis of student usage trends (age, gender, hours spent), and the discussion of findings regarding privacy and academic influence.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include Social Network Sites (SNSs), social capital, university students, online community, and digital communication.
How does this study define social capital?
The study defines social capital primarily through the works of Coleman and Lin, viewing it as the benefits, resources, and emotional support accumulated through social relationships and networks.
What does the study conclude about SNSs and academic performance?
The study suggests that while SNSs can be a source of distraction, they also serve as vital tools for academic knowledge sharing and coordination, indicating that they do not necessarily have a net negative impact on students.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Dr Kelly Clarkson (Autor:in), 2012, Usage of Social Network Sites amongst University Students, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/213091
