User-generated content on the Facebook page of an emergency management agency

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 558-579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayan Chirayath Kurian ◽  
Blooma Mohan John
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Emergency Management ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Disaster Recovery ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
User Generated Content ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Agency ◽  
Mixed Response

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore themes eventuating from the user-generated content posted by users on the Facebook page of an emergency management agency. Design/methodology/approach An information classification framework was used to classify user-generated content posted by users including all of the content posted during a six month period (January to June 2015). The posts were read and analysed thematically to determine the overarching themes evident across the entire collection of user posts. Findings The results of the analysis demonstrate that the key themes that eventuate from the user-generated content posted are “Self-preparedness”, “Emergency signalling solutions”, “Unsurpassable companion”, “Aftermath of an emergency”, and “Gratitude towards emergency management staff”. Major user-generated content identified among these themes are status-update, criticism, recommendation, and request. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to theory on the development of key themes from user-generated content posted by users on a public social networking site. An analysis of user-generated content identified in this study implies that, Facebook is primarily used for information dissemination, coordination and collaboration, and information seeking in the context of emergency management. Users may gain the benefits of identity construction and social provisions, whereas social conflict is a potential detrimental implication. Other user costs include lack of social support by stakeholders, investment in social infrastructure and additional work force required to alleviate the technological, organisational, and social barriers in communication among stakeholders in emergency management. A collective activity system built upon the Activity Theory was used as a lens to describe users’ activity of posting content on the Facebook page of an emergency management agency. Practical implications By analysing the findings, administrators and policy makers of emergency management could identify the extent to which the core principles of disaster recovery are accomplished using public social networking sites. These are achieved in relation to: pre-disaster recovery planning; partnership and inclusiveness; public information messaging; unity of effort; and, psychological recovery to maximise the success of recovery in a disaster. Furthermore, a core principle which evoked a mixed response was timeliness and flexibility. Originality/value Previous studies have examined the role of social networking sites in disastrous situations, but to date there has been very little research into determining themes found in user-generated content posted on the Facebook page of an emergency management agency. Hence, this study addresses the gap in literature by conducting a thematic analysis of user-generated content posted on the Facebook page of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Facebook use by the open access repository users

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (7) ◽  
pp. 903-922
Author(s):  
Jayan Chirayath Kurian
Keyword(s):  
Open Access ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Social Information ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
User Generated Content ◽  
Institutional Repository ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the type and implications of user-generated content posted by users of an open access institutional repository (DSpace) on Facebook. Design/methodology/approach – The identified user-generated content was organised into three categories: personal; professional; and social information. It encompassed all content from the members of the “DSpace” Facebook group, posted during the seven-year period (2007-2014). The posts were read and analysed to identify and categorise user-generated content posted by users to determine how Facebook is used by open access repository users. Findings – The results of analysis demonstrate the importance of social information posted by users over personal and professional information. Major types of user-generated content posted by users in the social information category were request, greetings, status-update, and announcement. Further, there has been a threefold increase in the number of user postings in the last two years (2013-2014), when posts were analysed over a seven-year period. Research limitations/implications – This study contributes to the theory on the implications eventuating from user-generated content posted by users of an open access institutional repository. An analysis of user-generated content identified in this study implies that users of DSpace open access repository are primarily using Facebook for information seeking, relationship building, and knowledge dissemination. Practical implications – By analysing the findings, administrators and policy makers of open access repositories could identify the extent of user support in the form of technical assistance, improved sustainability of supported projects, user community development, marketing and communications required to sustain open access scholarly communication. Originality/value – Previous studies examined how social networking sites have been used for a different purpose (interaction, collaboration, and discussion), but to date there has been very little research into the use of Facebook, a public social networking site, by open access repository users. Hence, this study addresses this gap in the literature by an interpretive analysis of user-generated content posted by users on the “DSpace” Facebook group.

Examining the dilution of the consumer-brand relationship on Facebook: the saturation issue

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 335-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahy Ramadan
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Information Quality ◽  
Information Overload ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
System Quality ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Side ◽  
Brand Relationship

Purpose Brands have been progressively using social networking sites, namely, Facebook, as part of their strategy to engage their consumers and ultimately build long-term relationships with them. Nonetheless, with the overuse of “engagement ads” by brands, saturation related to information overload is expected to be reached leading to the dilution of the consumer–brand relationship. The purpose of this paper is to fill a gap in the literature which has predominantly focused on the positive side of social networking sites, and hence still lacks a thorough understanding of the potential risks brands face when using Facebook. Accordingly, this research examines the different risks brands would be facing from saturated consumers on social networking sites such as Facebook. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study was conducted, with a total of 40 respondents using face-to-face semi-structured interviews over two stages. While the first stage of the study focused on examining the saturation risk and its potential negative effects, the second one explored these risks specifically on the consumer–brand relationship on Facebook. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and then coded for analysis using NVivo 8. Findings Brands are overloading their followers with passively endorsed brand messages, which are negatively affecting consumers’ experience on Facebook, as well as the relationship with these brands. This overall dilution of the consumer–brand relationship on Facebook was hence found to be affecting interaction, similarity with friends, the system quality of the social networking site, as well as information quality. Furthermore, this dilution was found to be affecting brand likability, brand trust and brand association. Originality/value The negative implications are still scarcely examined in the literature where social media engagement is predominantly discussed through a positive lens. Hence, this study has the peculiarity of discussing the risks that companies would face with Facebook’s engagement model along with their implications on the consumer-brand relationship.

Social networking sites and customers’ attitude towards advertisements

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 477-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaustav Mukherjee ◽  
Neelotpaul Banerjee
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Customer Engagement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The study aims to demonstrate the impact of social media users’ positive attitude towards the social networking sites (SNS) on the generation of a positive attitude towards social networking advertisements (SNA). A favourable attitude towards the SNA thus generated can positively influence brand attitude and purchase intention. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was conducted to collect relevant data using a structured questionnaire. Structural equation modelling was conducted using the statistical software AMOS 18. Findings Empirical analysis revealed the importance of brand advertisements on the social networks in inciting a positive attitude as well as a purchase intention for the brand in the SNS users’ minds. Research limitations/implications The study has been conducted in the Indian context using Facebook as a model social networking site. Practical implications Social media being one of the most popular and user-friendly platforms for regular communications, marketers are suggested to allocate a sizeable share of the advertising budget for social media advertisements and customer engagement so as to help build a positive attitude towards the advertised brand in the SNS users’ minds. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the impact of users’ positive evaluation of SNS as an effective communication medium, on the generation of a positive attitude towards the SNA, has been dealt for the first time here.

scholarly journals Link between social distancing, cognitive dissonance, and social networking site usage intensity: a country-level study during the COVID-19 outbreak

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanusree Chakraborty ◽  
Anup Kumar ◽  
Parijat Upadhyay ◽  
Yogesh K. Dwivedi
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Cognitive Appraisal ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Individual Response ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Distancing

PurposeSocial distancing is an important strategy to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, so it is imperative to understand the behavioral impact of social distancing on individuals. This research studied social distancing from a cognitive appraisal of voluntary social distancing compliance (CAVSD) point of view and a non-medical perspective, specifically the psychological impact (PI) of social distancing on the usage intensity of social networking sites (SNS) during the COVID-19 outbreak in India.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted on 477 SNS users as a full sample and groups based on age, sex and work status. The model was empirically investigated using structural equation modeling.FindingsCAVSD was negatively associated with PI although it was not a significant predictor, while CAVSD and PI were significant predictors of SNS usage intensity; moreover, SNS usage intensity differed between groups of people.Practical implicationsThese findings are significant for organizations, corporations and educational institutions in both the public and private sectors. There is a need to identify subsections of individuals in need of social support and relief from isolation and loneliness. Individuals are relying on social media to handle social distancing and the pandemic, and this shows up in an increase in social networking activity.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature by positing social networking as a basic virtual need for socialization, and social media platform assists in that. Cognitive appraisal is an important determinant of individual response.

scholarly journals Young consumers’ brand communications literacy in a social networking site context

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (11) ◽  
pp. 2018-2040 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret-Anne Lawlor ◽  
Áine Dunne ◽  
Jennifer Rowley
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Online Advertising ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Young Consumers ◽  
Fit For Purpose ◽  
Advertising Literacy

Purpose While substantial scholarly attention has been given to children’s understanding of advertising in the context of traditional advertising channels, there is a gap in the literature with regard to children’s commercial awareness in the context of online social networking sites. This paper aims to seek to explore the nature and extent of advertising literacy among young consumers in the context of their use of social networking sites, namely, Facebook and Bebo. Design/methodology/approach A three-stage study was conducted with 12 to 14-year-old girls, using focus group discussions, participant observation and in-depth interviews. Findings The study illustrates that the increasingly blurred line between online advertising and other forms of online brand-related content is militating against the development of advertising and marketing literacy in young consumers. A key issue which is discussed is the extent to which the traditional conceptualisation of advertising literacy is “fit for purpose” in an online context. Originality/value The authors propose an alternative to the advertising literacy concept, namely, the Online Brand Communications literacy framework. This framework recognises the convergence of traditional online advertising and other forms of online brand content and also acknowledges that the messaging around a brand may originate from the brand owner in a variety of overt and covert forms. Equally, online consumers may also act as brand promoters when they engage in brand-related word-of-mouth.

Determinants of users’ information dissemination behavior on social networking sites

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 393-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Shi ◽  
Ping Hu ◽  
Kin Keung Lai ◽  
Gang Chen
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Information Diffusion ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Viral Marketing ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Relevant Factors

Purpose As a new communication paradigm, social networking sites (SNS) have boosted information diffusion and viral marketing. Prior researchers have identified various factors affecting information dissemination on SNS. However, they often focus on limited factors and there is a lack of an integrated theoretical framework that explains aspects of relevant factors. Besides, the research on the impacts of relationships on individual retweeting behavior is still controversial. The purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical framework to systematically investigate the determinants of individual dissemination behavior on SNS based on the elaboration likelihood model (ELM). Moreover, the authors also examine the relative importance of those relevant factors. Design/methodology/approach The authors randomly selected 1,250 members of Twitter and crawled posts published by each member since he/she created the Twitter account using Twitter API. The authors processed the data to create panel data and tested hypotheses with the panel logit model. Findings Factors both on the central route and on the peripheral route of ELM have positive impacts on individual dissemination behavior. Among them, information receiver-related factor and relationships-related factors are the most influential. Contrastingly, source-related factors are the least influential. Furthermore, the authors find that social tie strength mediates almost 50 percent of the effect of value homophily on individual dissemination behavior. Originality/value The authors are the first to directly apply ELM to examine individual dissemination behavior on SNS. By integrating factors into the two information processing routes, They incorporate relevant factors into the model and systematically analyze their impacts on individual retweeting behavior on SNS. The research offers at least one explanation for the contradictory findings about the effect of homophily on individual sharing behavior in previous research. The authors propose new variables that gauge topical relevance and interpersonal value homophily on SNS.

The impact of Facebook on libraries and librarians: a review of the literature

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 226-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evgenia Vassilakaki ◽  
Emmanouel Garoufallou
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Selective Review ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – Social networking sites are becoming more and more popular triggering an increase in published research and impacting different aspects of daily life. One such aspect concerns libraries and librarians and the way they have adopted social networking sites. The purpose of this paper is to present a selective review on libraries’ adoption and use of a specific social networking site such as Facebook in order to promote their services. Design/methodology/approach – The method of selective review is employed to identify, document and present the relevant literature in a structured and annotated way. More specifically, all types of documents published between 2006 and 2012 are considered. In addition, the papers are assigned based on their expressed aim/s to emerged themes and sub-themes. Findings – It was found that the main body of the reported literature focused on reporting experiences, problems and lessons learned from building a presence on Facebook. A few studies aimed to explore users’ and librarians’ perspectives towards social networking sites whereas there is a strong need for specific guidelines to assist libraries and librarians in adopting Facebook. Research limitations/implications – This systematic literature review consists of articles published between 2006 and 2012. Originality/value – This paper contributes to identifying, collecting and presenting research regarding the use of Facebook in the field of library science. In addition, it identifies and summarises the main problems and challenges libraries and librarians are faced with when employing Facebook.

scholarly journals Personality perception based on LinkedIn profiles

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 418-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niels van de Ven ◽  
Aniek Bogaert ◽  
Alec Serlie ◽  
Mark J. Brandt ◽  
Jaap J.A. Denissen
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Recruitment Process ◽  
Self Presentation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Personality Perception ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Job-related social networking websites (e.g. LinkedIn) are often used in the recruitment process because the profiles contain valuable information such as education level and work experience. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether people can accurately infer a profile owner’s self-rated personality traits based on the profile on a job-related social networking site. Design/methodology/approach In two studies, raters inferred personality traits (the Big Five and self-presentation) from LinkedIn profiles (total n=275). The authors related those inferences to self-rated personality by the profile owner to test if the inferences were accurate. Findings Using information gained from a LinkedIn profile allowed for better inferences of extraversion and self-presentation of the profile owner (r’s of 0.24-0.29). Practical implications When using a LinkedIn profile to estimate trait extraversion or self-presentation, one becomes 1.5 times as likely to actually select the person with higher trait extraversion compared to the person with lower trait extraversion. Originality/value Although prior research tested whether profiles of social networking sites (such as Facebook) can be used to accurately infer self-rated personality, this was not yet tested for job-related social networking sites (such as LinkedIn). The results indicate that profiles at job-related social networks, in spite of containing only relatively standardized information, “leak” information about the owner’s personality.

Impact of social commerce constructs and social support on social commerce intentions

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zaryab Sheikh ◽  
Liu Yezheng ◽  
Tahir Islam ◽  
Zahid Hameed ◽  
Ikram Ullah Khan
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Social Commerce ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of social commerce constructs (SCCs), social support and relationship quality on social commerce intentions, which lead to use behaviour of social networking sites for social commerce.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 343 users of social networking sites in Pakistan. The data analysis was conducted using PLS-SEM.FindingsThe results show that SCCs have empowered consumers through the existence of virtual groups, ratings and reviews and recommendations and referrals, thereby having a significant impact on social commerce intentions. The relationship quality with social networking sites, measured through commitment, satisfaction and trust, also proved to be a leading forecaster of social commerce intentions. The impact of social support could not positively influence the relationship quality with the social networking site. However, social support influences the social commerce intentions significantly.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should enrich model with some moderating variables and data may be collected from actual online shoppers only.Practical implicationsThis study provides valuable insights to retailers to formulate their social commerce strategies as per decision factors results to have maximum engagement of consumers in social commerce.Originality/valueThe study proposes the unique model for finding the social commerce intentions and use behaviour using social support theory, relationship marketing theory and information systems literature.

Why people use social networking sites passively

2018 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinhua Zhu ◽  
Zheshi Bao
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Impression Management ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Privacy Concern ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the underlying mechanism of how passive social networking site (SNS) use happens from aspects of impression management concern, privacy concern, and SNS fatigue, and then examine whether sense of membership can work as a moderator in this process. Design/methodology/approach The authors proposed a research model by integrating impression management concern, privacy concern, and SNS fatigue. A total of 301 valid online questionnaires were collected, and these data were assessed by PLS-SEM. Findings The results show that both impression management concern and privacy concern have direct and positive effects on passive SNS use, and meanwhile they can also indirectly and positively affect passive SNS use through SNS fatigue. Besides, the relationships between impression management concern and its outcomes (SNS fatigue and passive SNS use) can be moderated by sense of membership. Originality/value This research is novel in focusing on the formation of passive SNS use and providing new insight into some factors which can trigger users’ passive behaviors in SNS usage. The findings will contribute to SNS literature by offering a well proven conceptual model that facilitates the understanding of passive SNS use.

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