From high school to university: Impact of social networking sites on social capital in the transitions of emerging adults

Abstract

In recent years, the huge success of social network sites (SNSs) has principally been determined by their ability to link people and their respective relationships. These relationships allow people to access different resources, information, emotional and social support, entertainment, as well as providing them with the opportunity to extend personal social ties. This paper investigates the way in which SNSs are used by emerging adults, defined as young people in the transition from adolescence to adulthood, and particularly those in their last year of high school or at university. The study focuses on different types of social capital and on the use of SNSs by emerging adults during this transitional phase in maintaining and developing relationships. Data collected from a questionnaire administered to 927 emerging adults show, first of all, the relevance of different types of social capital (bridging, bonding and maintaining) based on the student's position (high school, university first-year student or university student). Second, the data analysis indicates that SNSs can be conceived as part of functional organs that support emerging adults in their ability to connect and to be connected to a social network and to develop and maintain it over time.

It’s Not Real Until It’s on Facebook: A Qualitative Analysis of Social Media and Digital Communication among Emerging Adults in College

“…And while in college, as they start to form new networks, it is not unusual for these new friends to leave the geographic space of campus-whether they transfer, drop out, take a semester to study abroad, or graduate. These findings are consistent with research on social capital, where emerging adults use social networking sites to acquire both bridging social capital (new acquaintances with weaker ties) and bonding social capital (stronger ties with established relationships) (Mazzoni and Iannone 2014). These connections are not bound by geography as they once were, but continue to exist in real time nonetheless.…”

“…This task of maintaining connections is compounded by potential life changes (moving residence, completing college, changing jobs, coupling, etc.). Universities have traditionally provided social support programs to help with this transition to campus, but social networking sites like Facebook are increasingly being used to connect students on-line before they meet in person and help them socialize into academic life (DeAndrea et al 2012;Mazzoni and Iannone 2014;Yang and Brown 2009). Some universities are also experimenting with creating more targeted student-only websites just for their incoming freshmen (rather than simply using public SNSs), as an alternative method to improve students' adjustment to college (DeAndrea et al 2012).…”

“…Social needs may be fulfilled using SNSs where intimacy can develop from little connectivity (friending someone on SNSs), to instant messaging or texting, to connecting by phone or in person, the highest level of intimacy (Rubin 2002;Ellison et al 2007). Much of this research uses the concept of social capital as a framework for understanding these connections (DeAndrea et al 2012;Mazzoni and Iannone 2014). Social capital is broadly defined as resources and assets an individual gains through access to various relationships and social networks, and most research has found increased social capital to have positive social outcomes (Ellison et al 2007).…”

“…Social capital is broadly defined as resources and assets an individual gains through access to various relationships and social networks, and most research has found increased social capital to have positive social outcomes (Ellison et al 2007). Mazzoni and Iannone's study of Italian youth examined the impact of social networking sites on different forms of social capital for high school, first-year university, and undergraduate students (Mazzoni and Iannone 2014). Their work revealed that SNSs provide different things for students at various stages of the transition to college.…”

The relationship between addictive use of social media, narcissism, and self-esteem: Findings from a large national survey

“…Young people have quickly become accustomed to being constantly "online", and appear to adapt to new technologies faster than Addictive use of social media, narcissism, and self-esteem 5 their older counterparts (Prensky, 2001). In addition, social media may represent an arena where the younger generation can explore and develop their identities and culture without interruption from parents or those in a position of authority (Andreassen, 2015;Mazzoni & Iannone, 2014).…”