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

K Hashim,L Al-Sharqi,I Kutbi

doi:10.29333/ojcmt/2574

Abstract

Social media is now a pervasive element impacting the social and cultural fabric of our society. It has revolutionized the way we communicate, interact and socialize. This study investigates differences and similarities of King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Arts and Science instructors’ perceptions of social media impact on social behavior of students. Data were collected using a specially designed survey during the academic year 2013/2014. The sample size was 507 instructors of different ages and genders representing Arts and Science colleges. Research outcome indicates that instructors are familiar with and are immersed in social media use. Findings support the advantages of social media use on students’ social behavior and do not indicate any obvious disadvantages. Survey results also highlight affinities for various social media tools and purposes of use between the two groups. The findings include identification of college discipline-based dominant views pertaining to advantages and disadvantages of social media on social behavior of students. These findings can help in providing solutions to mitigate concerns relating to the use of social media.

Highlights

Social media is a pervasive element impacting the social fabric of our society and changing the nature of social relationships
Excessive use of social media tools by college students has led to debate over whether or not it has changed the very shape and structure of students’ social behavior and academic practices, and has caused leading educators to redefine their understanding of interpersonal communication and study dynamics (Junco, Merson & Salter, 2010)
It is pertinent to seek the views of faculty pertaining to perceptions of social media impact on social behavior of students

Summary

Introduction

Social media is a pervasive element impacting the social fabric of our society and changing the nature of social relationships. It has revolutionized the way we communicate, interact and socialize. New technologies help facilitate and provide flexibility in communicating and sharing of resources. This new approach to consuming and creating information is in particular attractive to youths as a platform and space for activities not possible in the face-to-face context (Lee, Chen, Li & Lin, 2015). It is pertinent to seek the views of faculty pertaining to perceptions of social media impact on social behavior of students

Methods

Results

Conclusion