Author : Meghan Aston-Lebold
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 140 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (829 download)
Book Synopsis Online Socializing Vs. In-person Socializing by : Meghan Aston-Lebold
Download or read book Online Socializing Vs. In-person Socializing written by Meghan Aston-Lebold and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 140 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Psychological Sense of Community (PSOC) consists of four components: membership, influence, integration and fulfillment of needs, and emotional connection (McMillan & Chavis, 1986) and is used to study relationships between individuals in a community (Sarason, 1974). Several psychosocial benefits have been found to be associated with a high level of PSOC, such as enhanced perceptions of social relationships and greater well-being. The Internet, especially social networking sites (SNS) such as Facebook and Twitter, has provided a new way for people to come together, potentially implying that community is shifting to a different platform. Previous research (Ganadharbatla, 2009; Ridings & Gefen, 2004) on SNS use has suggested benefits to users, such as social support, which buffers against stress and increased well-being (c.f., Cohen & wills, 1985). The present study compares experience of PSOC, social support, and well-being online versus in person in a diverse sample of Community College students (N=213). It then investigates the relationship between Facebook and Twitter use and PSOC, social support and well-being. There was no difference in reported PSOC or social support between Facebook users and SNS non-users, nor were there significant differences in overall well-being. However, Facebook users reported a greater PSOC and social support than Twitter users. These results suggest that SNS users experience a PSOC and social support in their in person lives equally as participants who do not participate in online social networking, suggesting the community is equally formed on these SNS.