Use of social media by college students
Journal of Technology Research
Use of social media by college students:
Relationship to communication and self-concept
Megan Sponcil
Youngstown State University
Priscilla Gitimu
Youngstown State University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine social media use among college students and how it affects communication with others, and college students ' self-concept. In this study, students completed a questionnaire which assessed personal use of social media, communication skills with friends and family, and effects on self-concept. Results indicated that all of the sampled college students were using at least one form of social networking website. There was a
.586 Pearson correlation between usage of social media and communication with family and friends. There was a .658 Pearson correlation between usage social media and self-concept.
These findings provide implications for future research on why these social networking sites have gained popularity.
Key words: college students, social media, social networking, communication, and self-concept,
Use of social media, Page 1
Journal of Technology Research
INTRODUCTION
New developments in the technological world have made the internet an innovative way for individuals and families to communicate. Social media networks have created a phenomenon on the internet that has gained popularity over the last decade. People use social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace to create and sustain relationships with others (Boyd &
Ellison, 2007). These social media sites let those who use them create personal profiles, while connecting with other users of the sites. Users can upload photographs, post what they are doing at any given time, and send personal or public messages to whomever they choose. In this
“information age,” social media sites seem to be growing in popularity rapidly, especially among young adults (Pempek, Yermolayeva, & Calvert, 2008).
In particular,
Use of social media by college students:
Relationship to communication and self-concept
Megan Sponcil
Youngstown State University
Priscilla Gitimu
Youngstown State University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine social media use among college students and how it affects communication with others, and college students ' self-concept. In this study, students completed a questionnaire which assessed personal use of social media, communication skills with friends and family, and effects on self-concept. Results indicated that all of the sampled college students were using at least one form of social networking website. There was a
.586 Pearson correlation between usage of social media and communication with family and friends. There was a .658 Pearson correlation between usage social media and self-concept.
These findings provide implications for future research on why these social networking sites have gained popularity.
Key words: college students, social media, social networking, communication, and self-concept,
Use of social media, Page 1
Journal of Technology Research
INTRODUCTION
New developments in the technological world have made the internet an innovative way for individuals and families to communicate. Social media networks have created a phenomenon on the internet that has gained popularity over the last decade. People use social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace to create and sustain relationships with others (Boyd &
Ellison, 2007). These social media sites let those who use them create personal profiles, while connecting with other users of the sites. Users can upload photographs, post what they are doing at any given time, and send personal or public messages to whomever they choose. In this
“information age,” social media sites seem to be growing in popularity rapidly, especially among young adults (Pempek, Yermolayeva, & Calvert, 2008).
In particular,
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