Social networking sites as a learning tool

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noelia Sanchez-Casado ◽  
Juan Gabriel Cegarra Navarro ◽  
Anthony Wensley ◽  
Eva Tomaseti-Solano
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Learning Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brand Knowledge ◽  
Customer Capital

Purpose – Over the past few years, social networking sites (SNSs) have become very useful for firms, allowing companies to manage the customer–brand relationships. In this context, SNSs can be considered as a learning tool because of the brand knowledge that customers develop from these relationships. Because of the fact that knowledge in organisations is embodied in the concept of the learning organisation, customers may create brand knowledge as a consequence of two learning facilitators: informational and instrumental value. Then, the purpose of this paper is to identify the role played by brand knowledge in the process of creating customer capital, in the context of SNSs. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 259 users of SNSs, who were followers or fans of brand pages, participated in this study. Data were collected through an online survey and they were analysed using structural equation modelling. Findings – The results of the study show that brand pages at SNS can perform brand knowledge by providing purposive gratifications to its customers. Moreover, they can also develop an indirect effect on customer capital, through the direct effect that brand knowledge has on it. Therefore, the results of the study will help managers design their learning strategies in relation to SNS and confirm the need of using SNS as a learning tool. Originality/value – Few, if any, studies have analysed whether gratifications, usually related to media, work as learning facilitators in the context of brand pages at SNS.

Connecting and being connected: investigating friending practices across multiple social networking sites

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chien Wen Yuan ◽  
Yu-Hao Lee
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Relationship Maintenance ◽  
Strong Ties ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Bonding Social Capital ◽  
Amazon's Mechanical Turk

PurposeSocial networking sites (SNSs) offer people the possibility of maintaining larger networks of social ties, which also entails more complex relationship maintenance across multiple platforms. Whom to “friend” and via which platform can involve complex deliberations. This study investigates the relationships between users' perceived friending affordances of five popular SNSs (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and LinkedIn) and their friending behaviors concerning strong ties, weak ties (existing and latent ties) and parasocial ties.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey using Qualtrics was provided to participants (N = 626) through Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk). The survey asked their SNS use and their friending behaviors with different ties on each of the sites.FindingsUsers' friending decisions are dependent on an interplay of socio-technical affordances of each SNS and specific needs for the ties. The authors found that the affordances of bridging social capital and enjoyment are aligned with friending weak and parasocial ties, respectively. The affordances of bonding social capital were not valued to friend strong ties.Originality/valueThe study extends the affordance and social capital literature by assessing users' perceived, contextualized SNS affordances in relation to actual communication behaviors in friending different social ties. This approach provides contextualized insights to friending decisions and practices on SNSs.

scholarly journals Perceived value of social networking sites (SNS) in students' expressive participation in social movements

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan D. Borrero ◽  
Shumaila Y. Yousafzai ◽  
Uzma Javed ◽  
Kelly L. Page
Keyword(s):  
Social Movements ◽  
University Students ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Intention To Use ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to determine the beliefs that influence university students to use social networking sites (SNS) for expressive participation in social movements. Design/methodology/approach – The original technology acceptance model (TAM), a quantitative methodological approach, and a survey were used to collect responses from 214 university students in Spain. Structural equation modelling was used to test the proposed relationships. Findings – Results confirm that the perceived ease of use (PEU) and perceived usefulness (PU) of SNS significantly affect a student's intention to use SNS for expressive social participation in social movements, with use intention significantly affecting actual participation. There was no significant moderating effect of students' gender on these relationships. Originality/value – Although there is much discussion in the popular press about how people use SNS, there is no published empirical research on the determinants that contribute to a person's intention to use and actual use of SNS in the context of social movements. This paper is one of the first studies to investigate young people's perception of the SNS usefulness and ease of the use for participation in social movements.

Examining fan engagement through social networking sites

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 163-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thiago Oliveira Santos ◽  
Abel Correia ◽  
Rui Biscaia ◽  
Ann Pegoraro
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Behavioural Intentions ◽  
Expert Review ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Fan Engagement

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to conceptualise and measure the construct of fan engagement through social networking sites (SNS).Design/methodology/approachA multi-stage procedure was completed to validate the proposed fan engagement through SNS model with three first-order constructs (fan-to-fan relationships, team-to-fan relationships and fan co-creation). First, a preliminary analysis of the proposed items to capture fan engagement through SNS was conducted through expert review. Second, an assessment of item reliability and construct validity was completed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Finally, CFA and subsequent structural equation model were conducted to review the psychometric properties and to test the relationships between the proposed construct with online and offline behavioural intentions.FindingsThe results indicate good psychometric properties of the constructs of fan-to-fan relationships, team-to-fan relationships and fan co-creation, and these three constructs were significantly related with the second-order construct of fan engagement through SNS. Additionally, the construct of fan engagement through SNS was significantly related to both online and offline behavioural intentions.Practical implicationsThese findings suggest that teams should use SNS to interact with fans, to allow fans to share experiences and to involve fans in co-creation processes aimed at increasing engagement and subsequent positive behavioural intentions towards the team.Originality/valueThis study extends previous research by measuring fan engagement through SNS as a multidimensional construct, and testing its predictive effect on fans’ online and offline behavioural intentions. Several suggestions for future studies and strategies for increasing fan engagement can be drawn from this study.

Adoption of mobile social networking sites for learning?

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 762-778 ◽  
Author(s):  
Choy-Har Wong ◽  
Garry Wei-Han Tan ◽  
Siew-Phaik Loke ◽  
Keng-Boon Ooi
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Learning Community ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Mobile Network ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mobile Social Networking ◽  
New Research

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that influence users’ behavioral intention (BI) to adopt mobile social networking sites (mSNS) in facilitating formal/informal learning. Specifically, the study also investigates the association of mobility, reachability and convenience with performance expectancy (PE) and effort expectancy (EE). Design/methodology/approach – Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach was applied to test on 266 valid responses. Findings – The findings indicated that learning compatibility (LC), PE, EE and copyright clearance (CC) has a significant effect on BI. The results also revealed that EE is influenced by mobility, reachability and convenience. PE however was found to be influenced by convenience. Practical implications – The results of this study provides valuable insights and references for practitioners and mobile network providers in developing mSNS in facilitating learning. Originality/value – While mSNS have the potential to become a new research area with numerous benefits for the learning community, there is little research on the adoption factors on mSNS in facilitating learning. This study therefore attempts to close the research gap by contributing to the mobile literatures.

Building brand loyalty through user engagement in online brand communities in social networking sites

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiabing Zheng ◽  
Christy M. K. Cheung ◽  
Matthew K.O. Lee ◽  
Liang Liang
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Brand Loyalty ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brand Communities ◽  
Online Brand Communities

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of user engagement in the context of online brand communities. A research model is proposed to explain how brand loyalty is developed through user engagement. Design/methodology/approach – The research model was empirically tested with an online survey study of 185 current Facebook users. Findings – Results revealed that user engagement influenced brand loyalty both directly and indirectly through online community commitment. Users tend to focus on the benefits (rather than the costs) derived from the usage when they engage in an online brand community. Research limitations/implications – The selection of respondents is bound to the Hong Kong area, while Facebook members are globally distributed. In addition, this study involved a cross-sectional design instead of investigating the development of brand loyalty from a long-term perspective. Practical implications – The results inform e-marketers the importance of user engagement behaviors for building brand loyalty through online communities. Strategies that encourage members to engage in online brand communities on social networking sites such as Facebook are also provided. Originality/value – The concept of user engagement in online brand communities is still poorly understood, underscoring the need for theoretically based research of user engagement. This paper enriches the knowledge in the area of brand engagement by presenting a research model that introduces the concept of user engagement in social media research and empirically examines its role in building brand loyalty in online brand communities.

Exploring the antecedents of social network service fatigue: a socio-technical perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 119 (9) ◽  
pp. 2006-2032
Author(s):  
Lin Xiao ◽  
Jian Mou ◽  
Lihua Huang
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Information Overload ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Technical Approach ◽  
Technical Factor ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Active User

Purpose Despite the various benefits of social networking services (SNSs), users have begun to experience fatigue in recent years, as evidenced by a decline in active user numbers. This relatively new phenomenon has only recently received significant managerial and academic attention. The antecedents of SNS fatigue are still unclear in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to identify the key factors causing SNS fatigue, based on a socio-technical approach. Design/methodology/approach The authors empirically tested this research model with 424 SNS users via an online survey. Structural equation modeling with partial least squares was used to analyze the data. Findings The results showed that the social factors of social comparison, social interaction overload, social surveillance and social information overload, and the technical factor of system complexity are significantly related to SNS fatigue. Practical implications This research benefits SNS providers by allowing them to better understand how to effectively design social networking platforms to retain and attract more users. It also benefits users by providing guidance on how to actively manage their own behavior to avoid potential negative outcomes induced by SNS usage. Originality/value This study focuses on the “dark side” of SNS from the perspective of fatigue, extending existing research on technostress. It also extends the applicability of the socio-technical approach to the phenomenon of SNS fatigue. Moreover, it enriches SNS fatigue research by addressing the importance of both social and technical factors in causing SNS fatigue.

scholarly journals The association between problematic social networking site use, dark triad traits, and emotion dysregulation

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zaheer Hussain ◽  
Elisa Wegmann ◽  
Mark D. Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Emotion Dysregulation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Dark Triad ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Site Use ◽  
Share Information

Abstract Background Social networking sites (SNSs) allow people to socially connect with each other, collaborate, and share information. However, problematic SNS use (PSNSU) may be associated with negative personality traits. The present study investigated the associations between PSNSU, dark triad personality traits, and emotion dysregulation. Method In the present study, 555 SNS users (Mage = 33.32 years, SD = 10.88) completed an online survey comprising measures of PSNSU, dark triad personality traits, and emotion dysregulation. Results Bivariate correlations showed that PSNSU was significantly associated with dark triad traits as well as emotion dysregulation. Structural equation modelling (where the effect of the dark triad traits on PSNSU was mediated by emotion dysregulation) showed that 33.5% of the variance of PSNSU was explained by Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism. Conclusion The findings provide suggestive evidence of why PSNSU may occur as a function of the presence of dark triad traits and emotion dysregulation. The study also highlighted the important role that emotion regulation plays in the association between dark triad traits and PSNSU.

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.

Explaining social networking sites’ use continuance from employees’ perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-198
Author(s):  
Bangaly Kaba
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Normative Beliefs ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper aims to better comprehend the psychological elements that drive the adoption of social networking sites (SNS). The paper attempts to explain the reasons why people sustainably use social networking websites in the workplace and how this happens. Design/methodology/approachUsing a survey to collect data that was analyzed using structural equation modeling by applying the partial least squares technique. FindingsThe results indicated that SNS use continuance was due more to habit rather than established perceived and normative beliefs such as satisfaction and social norms. Research limitations/implicationsThe authors recommend that the model in the study be tested in other technology environments to evaluate the external validity of the research study. The research was based on an unspecific platform, but each SNS may have its singularity that should merit further consideration. Practical implicationsPeers or coworker influences were noticeable in shaping one’s normative beliefs to continue using SNS in the organization. In this regard, it will be interesting to identify the mechanisms that raise the awareness of SNS in the employees’ social networks in the organization. Specifically, it will be an advantage to reach out to peers in promoting SNS use in the organization because they speak the same language as their fellow employees. Originality/valueDespite several benefits related to SNS use in organizations, studies showed that most of these technologies are boycotted in the workplace. Although extensive studies are dedicated to understanding information and communication technology use continuance in general, this paper aims to inform both academicians interested in the use of enterprise SNS for business purposes and business actors concerned with growing SNS usage and retaining its users in their organizations. The paper will contribute to information systems continuance literature by integrating and extending two major theoretical frameworks.

Factors affecting attendees continued use of mobile event applications

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmet Bulent Ozturk ◽  
Wei Wei ◽  
Nan Hua ◽  
Ruoxi Qi
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Performance Expectancy ◽  
Effort Expectancy ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2), the purpose of this study was to examine users’ continued usage intention of mobile event application (MEA) technology. Design/methodology/approach A self-administered online survey was used to collect the study data from 407 MEA users, and structural equation modeling was used to test the study’s hypotheses. Findings The study’s results revealed that users’ continued usage behavior was positively influenced by effort expectancy, performance expectancy, habit, facilitating condition and perceived security. The study’s results further indicated that personal innovativeness had a positive impact on effort expectancy and performance expectancy. Practical implications The findings of the current study deliver important practical implications for event organizers and event technology vendors for identifying factors affecting MEA users’ continued usage intention. Originality/value By extending UTAUT2, the current study is one of the first studies that examined users’ intention to continue to use MEA technology.

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