MySpace and Facebook: Applying the Uses and Gratifications Theory to Exploring Friend-Networking Sites

Abstract

The increased use of the Internet as a new tool in communication has changed the way people interact. This fact is even more evident in the recent development and use of friend-networking sites. However, no research has evaluated these sites and their impact on college students. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate: (a) why people use these friend-networking sites, (b) what the characteristics are of the typical college user, and (c) what uses and gratifications are met by using these sites. Results indicated that the vast majority of college students are using these friend-networking sites for a significant portion of their day for reasons such as making new friends and locating old friends. Additionally, both men and women of traditional college age are equally engaging in this form of online communication with this result holding true for nearly all ethnic groups. Finally, results showed that many uses and gratifications are met by users (e.g., "keeping in touch with friends"). Results are discussed in light of the impact that friend-networking sites have on communication and social needs of college students.

Uses and Gratifications of digital photo sharing on Facebook

“…An increasing number of researchers have adopted U&G theory for understanding the gratifications obtained from SNS. The popularity and growth of SNS has motivated researchers from various fields to apply U&G theory for studying gratifications of SNS usage, its impact and possible consequences (Bumgarner, 2007;Pai & Arnott, 2013;Quan-Haase & Young, 2010;Raacke & Bonds-Raacke, 2008). Previous studies have clearly demonstrated relationship creation and maintenance, passing time, information seeking, entertainment, sharing personal information, affection,and social surveillance as some of the key gratifications obtained from SNS use (Cheng, Liang, & Leung, 2014;Joinson, 2008;Leung, 2013;Quan-Haase & Young, 2010;Whiting & Williams, 2013).…”

“…Investigating gender differences with regard to SNS has also been actively researched (Barker, 2009;Hargittai, 2007;Kimbrough, Guadagno, Muscanell, & Dill, 2013;McAndrew & Jeong, 2012;Muscanell & Guadagno, 2012;Raacke & Bonds-Raacke, 2008).…”

Technology Adoption by Elderly People – An Empirical Analysis of Adopters and Non-Adopters of Social Networking Sites

“…Apart from that, many people use SNS to share private information like photos or videos or try to enlarge their circle of friends. Others just pursue the aim to collaborate or to have fun while playing online games and compete with friends ( [24]; [51]; [62]; [65]; [67]; [72]). Additionally further SNS (such as Xing or LinkedIn) support the application process of job seekers by providing the possibility to upload CVs, connect with their job network or communicate with recruiters and headhunters for job offers [74].…”

Gender Patterns on Facebook: A Sociolinguistic Perspective

“…While Raacke and Bonds-Raacke (2008) did not find gender differences in the most popular uses and gratifications for social networking sites (i.e. keeping in touch with friends), they do note several differences in the way men and women use online social networking sites.…”