The rapid expansion of Facebook, which has more than 500 million users worldwide, prompting concerns about its negative effects, but researchers at the University of Texas have reached a different conclusion.
"Our results suggest that Facebook does not supplant face-to-face interactions with friends, family and colleagues," said S. Craig Watkins, associate professor of radio, television and film who headed the research team.
"In fact, we believe there is enough evidence to prove that social media offer opportunities for new expressions of friendship, intimacy and community."
The researchers questioned 900 students and recent graduates on how and with whom they interact on Facebook.
Over 60 percent of Facebook users say updates assignment were among the most popular activities, followed by 60 percent, who wrote comments on their profile, and 49 percent who have posted messages and comments to friends.
The researchers also found that although the same number of men and women use Facebook, they do so in different ways.
"There is a noticeable difference in direction in how to use a tool like Facebook. We found that for women the content tends to be more affectionate, and (they) are particularly interested in using it to connect "said Watkins.
"For men it is more functional," he added.
Watkins points out, for example, that women are more likely to send pictures of meetings with friends, while men are more likely to send photos as a hobby, or send a link to political or pop culture related.
He added that the increased use of Facebook brings more challenges, young adults will have to adapt their behavior is no more far-reaching social circle.
"Facebook brings all the various social networks and the scenes together. We are present in different ways, with friends, colleagues or family," he said.
"The commitment of Facebook is not uniform. It 'is constantly evolving and changing, and this is the challenge."
Comments
Post a Comment