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.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Chapter One.
- Introduction
- Background Study
- Overview of SNSs
- Motivation to adopt SNS
- Critique of Social Network Sites
- Internet use, relationships and social capital
- Social capital and Relationships
- Types of social capital
- Research Questions
- Hypothesis
- Broad objective
- Specific objectives
- Chapter two.
- Literature review
- Social network sites: Definition
- Social network sites: History
- Friendster
- MySpace
- Students' lifestyles and SNSs
- Frequency of SNSs and internet overuse among students
- SNSs and Privacy
- Why students use social network sites
- Percentage of social network site usage among students
- Coleman's Theory-of-Social-Capital
- Social-Network-Theory of Social-Capital
- Social capital: online and offline
- Social capital and the internet
- Social network theory and online community
- Chapter Three
- Research Methodology
- Research Design
- Targeted Population
- Sampling Technique and Sample Size
- Pilot Study
- Validity
- Reliability
- Data Collection
- Data Analysis and Preparation
- Logistics and Ethical Considerations
- The study Limitations
- Chapter Four
- Data Analysis and Discussion
- Frequency distribution of students by Age and Gender
- Type of Social network sites used
- Duration of using SNS
- Hours per day on social network sites
- Number of sites and Friends
- Reasons for using social network sites
- Social network sites intensity
- Psychological measures
- Bridging of Social capital
- Summary of the key findings
- Chapter 5
- Introduction
- Recommendations
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The objective of this study was to assess the usage of social network sites amongst university students. The study investigated the trends in social network sites usage, and the relationship between social network sites and the creation and maintenance of social capital. The study explored the following key themes:- The prevalence and patterns of social network site usage amongst university students
- The relationship between social network site usage and social capital
- The role of social network sites in student life and academic activities
- The potential benefits and drawbacks of social network site usage
- The impact of social network sites on student well-being and social interaction
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter One: Introduction
This chapter introduces the topic of social network site usage amongst university students. It provides background information on the rise of social network sites and their impact on communication, networking, and academic sharing. The chapter outlines the motivation behind the study, explores critical perspectives on social network sites, and discusses the relationship between internet use, relationships, and social capital. The chapter concludes by presenting the research questions, hypothesis, and objectives of the study.Chapter Two: Literature Review
This chapter provides a comprehensive review of existing literature on social network sites and their impact on university students. It defines the concept of social network sites, traces their historical development, and examines the various social network platforms popular among students. The chapter explores the frequency of social network site usage and potential concerns related to internet overuse and privacy. It also examines the reasons behind students' use of social network sites and delves into theoretical frameworks, such as Coleman's Theory-of-Social-Capital and the Social-Network-Theory of Social-Capital, to understand the relationship between social network sites and social capital. The chapter further discusses the concept of social capital in both online and offline contexts and explores the connection between social network theory and online community formation.Chapter Three: Research Methodology
This chapter outlines the research methodology employed in the study. It describes the research design, the targeted population, the sampling technique and sample size, the pilot study, the measures of validity and reliability, the data collection methods, and the data analysis and preparation techniques. The chapter also addresses logistical and ethical considerations, as well as the limitations of the study.Chapter Four: Data Analysis and Discussion
This chapter presents and discusses the findings of the study. It examines the frequency distribution of students by age and gender, the types of social network sites used, the duration of social network site usage, the number of sites and friends connected with, and the reasons for using social network sites. The chapter also explores the intensity of social network site usage, psychological measures related to social network site use, and the bridging of social capital through social network sites. Finally, the chapter summarizes the key findings of the study.Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Social network sites, university students, social capital, communication, networking, academic sharing, internet use, relationships, online community, privacy, student well-being, social interaction, data analysis, research methodology.- Citation du texte
- Dr Kelly Clarkson (Auteur), 2012, Usage of Social Network Sites amongst University Students, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/213091
