The emergence of social network sites such as Facebook, Friendster, Myspace, Twitter, You Tube and the like are basic for nearly everybody. The researchers explored on the Facebook (FB) phenomenon as the latest trend among teenagers. The study determined the transformation brought about by Facebook phenomenon as analyzed in the different reflections, testimonies, and insights given specifically by the Filipino college students. The respondents of the study were 250 college students from the state college of Occidental Mindoro and private maritime university of Iloilo City who were purposively selected on the basis of their exposure to FB. The researchers utilized both quantitative and qualitative modes of data collection. Results of the study showed that the college students have a high level of perception on Facebook. Their level of perception differs significantly when they are classified according to Type of School, Gender and Year Level. In totality, FB transformed the Filipino youth socially, emotionally, mentally and technologically. Their exposure to FB brings them to the world of internet where communication is essential, entice them to get more friends, allow them to express their ideas, feelings, and sentiments freely. These activities using Internet lead them to become technologically attuned individuals.
The Benefits of Facebook “Friends:” Social Capital and College Students’ Use of Online Social Network Sites
