The Facebook Influence Model: A Concept Mapping Approach

Abstract

Facebook is a popular social media Web site that has been hypothesized to exert potential influence over users' attitudes, intentions, or behaviors. The purpose of this study was to develop a conceptual framework to explain influential aspects of Facebook. This mixed methods study applied concept mapping methodology, a validated five-step method to visually represent complex topics. The five steps comprise preparation, brainstorming, sort and rank, analysis, and interpretation. College student participants were identified using purposeful sampling. The 80 participants had a mean age of 20.5 years, and included 36% males. A total of 169 statements were generated during brainstorming, and sorted into between 6 and 22 groups. The final concept map included 13 clusters. Interpretation data led to grouping of clusters into four final domains, including connection, comparison, identification, and Facebook as an experience. The Facebook Influence Concept Map illustrates key constructs that contribute to influence, incorporating perspectives of older adolescent Facebook users. While Facebook provides a novel lens through which to consider behavioral influence, it can best be considered in the context of existing behavioral theory. The concept map may be used toward development of potential future intervention efforts.

Social Media and Alcohol: Summary of Research, Intervention Ideas and Future Study Directions

“…One young adult participant described that "uploading photos contributes to setting the social norm. I don't think we upload photos to set social norms, we upload photos to share and connect with other people and a byproduct of that is setting social norms" (Moreno, Kota, Schoohs, & Whitehill, 2013). While more information is clearly needed to understand the influence of social media on health risk behaviors, these early studies provide support for further research.…”

“…The Facebook Influence Model describes the influence of "identity development" on Facebook, and interventions could build upon this source of influence (Moreno, Kota, et al, 2013). Researchers could consider linking Facebook advertisements to a user's displayed alcohol content.…”

Generation-Common and-Specific Factors in Intention to Leave Among Female Hospital Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study Using a Large Japanese Sample

“…According to a 2013 Japanese white paper [25], the number of Internet users in Japan expanded by 8.3 times in the 13 years after 1997, social media use has become widespread, and especially among young people, communication behaviour has diversified. A previous study [45] also revealed the behavioural influence of social media, particularly Facebook. The influence of Facebook is that the platform provides quick connection: people can reach anyone, bonding across cultures and distances through the network, presenting the best side of themselves, and showing off their accomplishments to everyone they friended on Facebook.…”

Mídias sociais e adolescentes: uma análise das consequências ambivalentes e das estratégias de consumo

“…Sites de redes sociais, por exemplo, permitem aos jovens manterem contato com seus amigos mesmo quando eles não são capazes de se reunir em situações não mediadas (Boyd, 2008). Além disso, eles são meios pelos quais o adolescente é capaz de se relacionar com outros grupos sociais e buscar pessoas com as quais ele mais se identifique (Barker, 2009;Moreno et al, 2013). Isso é importante porque, durante a adolescência, o pertencimento a um grupo não apenas oferece apoio, mas também tem um significado especial na construção da identidade.…”