Perceptions of Social Media Impact on Social Behavior of Students: A Comparison between Students and Faculty

2. Literature Review

In a survey done by Bagget and Williams (2012), students agree that social media is a means to connect between individuals and is used as a way to sharing interest. These are useful tools for communication and education, and are a means to keep in touch with people professionally. They provide an opportunity for networking in any profession. With time constraints and demanding class schedules, social media provide an opportunity to multitask because students do not want to spend time creating multiple individual messages. They commonly use Facebook, watch television or a video, talk, email friends and family, and write papers or conduct research all at the same time.

A study by Venezuela, Park and Kee (2008) supports the notion that both the medium technological capabilities as well as the actual content it transmits influence people’s attitudes and behaviors. Apart from the above, some general observations were made. First and foremost, online social networks are effective structures for connecting people, allowing them to create content and participate in public affairs in a meaningful way. Second, social networks are not just a place to spend time in but are useful tools for collective action.