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ISSN 1556-6757 |
SJI |
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Volume
2, Issue 1, 2011
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The usage and implications of social networking sites: A survey of
college students. Jason Tham and Niaz Ahmed
Abstract
This study examined the usage and
implications of social networking sites among college students. A survey
was administered to a non-random sample of 445 college students on SNS
use, perceptions of SNS communications, and awareness of the impacts of
SNS in academic performance and personal development. Data were
collected from a non-random sample of students at St. Cloud State
University in Minnesota during the spring semester of 2011. Results
revealed that female college students spent more time on SNSs than male
students. In general, for both males and females, the time spent on SNS
decreased as the age of the respondent increased. As for respondents’
perception of the influence of SNS usage on their academic performance,
significant differences were found in terms of age. A greater number of
younger students reported negative perception of the effect of SNSs on
their academic performance. Significant correlations were found between
age and gender, and the influence of SNS on users’ personal development.
Results also revealed that there were significant relationships between
users’ class rank and field of study, and the influence of SNS. Positive
correlations were found in SNS usage rate and students’ networking with
friends, family members, and professionals, while negative correlations
were observed between SNS usage rate and students’ search for volunteer
opportunities, and awareness of others' improved search for a date.
Positive correlations were also found between age and students’
networking with friends, family, and professionals as well as between
age and awareness of others' experience of cyberbullying. On the other
hand, a negative correlation was found between age and users’ awareness
of others’ improved search for a date via SNS. Data also revealed that
students’ perceptions of the influence of SNS were consistent with the
actual effects as revealed by the findings.
Full Article
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