Facebook Phenomenon Research Articles

Phatic and Politeness on Women’s Communication in Facebook: Humanistic Teaching Perspective of Being Polite in Social Media

Technological developments have a wide impact on many things, one of which is the development of communication through social networking. The interesting thing about the Facebook phenomenon is that most of the users are women. Women who are identical with polite behavior are very interesting to study. This study aims to (1) Identify the form of women’s phatic speech acts on Facebook. (2) Describe the politeness strategy of women’s communication on Facebook, (3) to dig deeper into the extent of women politeness in Facebook through the humanistic teaching perspective. This research is descriptive qualitative research using pragmatic approach. The subjects of the study were women aged 25-50 years. Data is female speech on Facebook social networking. Data selection is done with certain consideration using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a method of referring and noting to a number of speeches containing a form of phatic expression. Test the validity of data is done through credibility test that is by extension of observation and member check. Data analysis was done based on Spradley's analysis model which was divided into 4 stages, namely domain analysis, taxonomic analysis, contextual analysis and cultural theme analysis. The results achieved are: (1) The form of phatic expressions seen from the analysis of speech acts in which the act of speech phatic ranked highest. (2) The characteristics of visible women language are, using polite expression, using indirect sentences, using adjectives, using question tags and humor. (3) The dominant function of the phatic is to maintain friendship and harmony of relationships. (4) Internet-based communication media provide flexibility for women to interact and establish relationships. (5) phatic communication on Facebook becomes dominant because the form of communication is not face to face directly so that the expression of the speaker cannot be seen and the comments that appear cannot be determined time so that the honesty of the less acceptable speech. This has a tendency as a form of introducing space. The women communication in Facebook through the phatic speech acts can be a source of learning approach to be polite in uttering utterances.

An Ethnography of a Community's Re-appropriation of Yārsān in Cyberspace: The Facebook Phenomenon

This article presents a nuanced approach for qualitative research on the Internet, based on the synthesis of qualitative data-gathering methodologies both online and offline, and contributes to recent knowledge of changing practices within Yārsāni communities around the world. Yārsān is a religious belief of Indo-Iranian origin that traces back to Hooraman, a region in Iranian Kurdistan. Yārsān thought, which Islamic Shiite authorities treat as heretical, has extensively used processes of adaptation and strategies of survival throughout the course of its history. The research presented here makes a case for the significance of the Internet and, more specifically, social network sites in connecting Yārsānis in their homelands and in the diaspora. How does Facebook provide a new space for this minority group to disclose their beliefs to the world, thereby reassessing the clandestine nature of their religion, which is a tenet required by traditional belief and defined by their adage, “don’t tell the secret”?

A missional study of the use of social media (Facebook) by some Ghanaian Pentecostal Pastors

Social media as a new phenomenon has become a tool used by many televangelists and pastors all over the world. It is against this background that this research sought to explore the Facebook activities of some Ghanaian Pentecostal pastors from a missional perspective. The article deals with the concept of social media, Facebook and its potential for mission purposes, the Facebook phenomenon among Ghanaians and how Ghanaian Pentecostal Pastors are using Facebook for missional purposes, as well as some of concerns on the negative uses of social media. The study revealed that Ghanaian pastors are followed by people from different religious and societal backgrounds. It has also offered the pastors and their congregations the opportunity to form relationships with a wide and diverse range of people without being bound by geographical space. Sosiale media as nuwe fenomeen het ‘n instrument geword wat deur meeste TV-evangeliste en pastore regoor die wêreld gebruik word. Dit is teen hierdie agtergrond dat die Facebookaktiwiteite van sommige Ghanese Pentekostale pastore vanuit ‘n missionale perspektief ondersoek word. In hierdie artikel word die volgende ondersoek: Die konsepte van sosiale media en Facebook, veral dan in terme van hulle potensiaal vir missionale doeleindes; die Facebookfenomeen, spesifiek onder die Ghanese; en die wyse waarop Ghanese Pentekostale pastore van Facebook gebruik maak vir missionale doeleindes. Die navorsing bevind dat Ghanese pastore deur mense van verskillende godsdienstige en sosiale agtergronde op sosiale media gevolg word. Dit bied aan pastore en hulle geloofsgemeenskappe die geleentheid om verhoudings met ‘n wye verskeidenheid mense te ontwikkel, sonder om deur die grense van geografiese gesitueerdheid beperk te word.

The Facebook Phenomenon for Collaborative Learning for University Studies

Abstract This article defines the shift in the concept and conditions of collaborative learning for university studies using the social networking tool Facebook and discusses the collaborative learning effect in terms of using Open Educational Resources (OER), creating learning artefacts and new generic competence development. In order to evaluate students’ learning through collaboration in Facebook, qualitative research method and survey of generic competencies based on the Tuning project framework (2003) were used. The data was collected through focus group interviews and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The qualitative research method was chosen because it provides information of how students collaborate and what experience they gained during the activities. First, Facebook online groups have been identified at three different levels at VMU. The Facebook first level group was the social networking of Vytautas Magnus University’s students and academic staff. The second level group was created for the department dealing with social sciences, and is called “Department of Social Science”. The third level group is “Education Service Management” within the Department of Education. The research was done at the third level group with the students of the “Education Service Management” study programme. As research results show, Facebook as a social network has been changing communication between students, by facilitating the exchange of information and knowledge. The research analyses Facebook in the context of undergraduate university studies, based upon the experience of Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) for using Facebook for university studies. It could be concluded that learning is about developing capabilities to think and to act. Learners using social networking tools for collaborative learning, act, provide feedback and peer-review, asses and rate information. Openness is based on the idea that knowledge is disseminated and shared freely for the benefit of society as a whole. University students collaborate online and learn by using and exchanging OER, as well as developing them as the artefacts of online collaborative learning. They influence task design by creating “educational resources” themselves.

Reflective Analysis on Facebook as Social Capital: Its Role in Transforming the Filipino College Students

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.

Facebook use in libraries: an exploratory analysis

PurposeThe current study aims to present an exploratory analysis of the use of Facebook in American public and academic libraries, with the purpose of understanding patterns of Facebook use in libraries.Design/methodology/approachThis study presents both a statistical descriptive analysis and a content analysis.FindingsThe research findings show that both kinds of libraries use the information section and the wall and that there is a difference in the use of other Facebook sections, which was surprisingly limited in both kinds of libraries. In addition, public libraries use the wall and the photos section as major channels of information more than academic libraries. Concentrating on the content of the Facebook wall posts, it appears that there are some differences between the two sections (categories and sub‐categories). However, it seems that both kinds of libraries use Facebook simply as a way to deliver information to users, rather than as a venue for discussion.Originality/valueResearch findings enable librarians and information scientists to better understand the Facebook phenomenon in different kinds of libraries.

South African students’ perceptions of Facebook: Some implications for instructors

The Facebook phenomenon has revolutionised communication patterns especially among students and youths. Young adults increasingly integrate Facebook into their daily lives. The commonly used features include chatting, uploading personal profiles, exchanging notes and study material. Several factors (for example, real-time interactive messaging, 3G mobile telephony, faster and cheaper Internet access) encourage social network sites (SNSs) and Facebook adoption. While Facebook started primarily as a social website connecting friends, many users have increasingly started using the platform for business, marketing and study purposes. However, despite the many opportunities for facilitating teaching and learning in universities, in particular promoting student instructor interaction, Facebook’s usage in classrooms is still low. It was therefore deemed opportune to investigate students’ perceptions of the SNS. The purposes of this study were to: (1) examine students’ Facebook usage habits and (2) investigate the perceived usefulness of Facebook in education. Following the introduction of Facebook in a Business Management course, students’ perceptions of Facebook were subsequently ascertained using constructs of the Rogers diffusion model. Data was collected from a sample of 194 undergraduate students using self-administered questionnaires. Findings confirm Facebook’s popularity and utility in education. Results are discussed in the context of existing literature, and the paper concludes by proposing both theoretical and practical implications. Key words: Education, Facebook, internet, social network sites, smart phones, universities.

Facebook, Privacy and the Challenges of Protecting Minors on Social Networking Sites

Online social networking services such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn have proliferated in recent years. In this paper, we will focus on the impact of Facebook, which is the network with the most users worldwide (as of March 2011 Facebook had more than 640 million registered users). Facebook has multiple uses: it is potentially and concurrently a dating site, a friend locator, and a public relations tool. We examine both the positive and the negative repercussions of the Facebook phenomenon. We then look more closely at one of its main effects: the fact that it serves to efface the boundaries in the traditional public/private dichotomy. Supposedly Facebook protects its users through privacy settings. Yet users add personal details (like email addresses, cell phone numbers, and photos). If something goes wrong, questions arise as to the legal relationship that users have agreed to. Who has access to their personal information? What is the meaning of the Facebook disclaimer in its “Terms of Service” (the online equivalent of “fine print” in contracts of adhesion)? Perhaps only lawyers know that under Facebook’s ToS, users give up copyright control of any material posted. As a result, laypersons at best remain partially protected. Privacy issues and data protection concerns (esp. protecting users who cannot protect themselves, such as minors under 18 who regularly use the medium) clash with freedom of expression/freedom of speech/freedom of information. The legislator concerned with efficiently regulating the use of online social networks needs to accommodate these conflicts, devising wise and balanced solutions.

On the Horizon:Emerging Technologies for 2011

THIS IS THE TIME OF THE YEAR FOR REFLECTIONS AND PREDICTIONS. word of the year is austerity (we know all about that in academia), and Time's Person of the Year is Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook. Facebook is nearing 550 million users, and if it were a country, it would be the third largest in the world. There is no doubt that Facebook has transformed the way we connect and interact in the digital world. Indeed, connected as they are on Facebook, our students rarely use email. * Facebook phenomenon is one that educational and health care institutions are still trying to understand. But what else is in store for educators in the coming year? * Since 2002, the New Media Consortium (NMC), an international not-for-profit organization, has been publishing the Horizon Report to examine emerging technologies and their relationship to learning in higher education. Each year, the consortium establishes a multidisciplinary advisory committee to examine both published and unpublished articles, reports, and websites and to engage in dialogue to determine current trends and challenges, as well as the emerging technologies we can expect to see on the horizon. This advisory committee, with representatives from inside and outside higher education, will release the final Horizon Report in February 2011. Before the release date, there are opportunities for comment and feedback, and a preview report is available online (http://horizon.wiki.nmc.org). 20t I preview report identifies four major trends, four major challenges, and technologies to watch for across three horizons. Let's take a peek at the projections for 2011. Top Four Trends I doubt that any educators would disagree with Trend 1: The abundance of resources and relationships made easily accessible via the Internet is increasingly challenging us to revisit our roles as educators in sense-making, coaching, and credentialing. However, although many (Benner, Sutphen, Leonard, & Day, 2010; Institute of Medicine, 2010) have called for the transformation of our educator role, from knowledge disseminator to coach and mentor, large numbers of educators continue their practice of lecturing with PowerPoint slides and minimal student interaction. Information is everywhere. We need to help learners make sense of information and assess its credibility. Trend 2 is a familiar one: People expect to be able to work, learn, and study whenever and wherever they want to. Nursing education has a long history of trying to meet the needs of student populations, offering alternatives such as bringing classes to service organizations, intensive weekend courses, and online programs. We understand that this is particularly important as many of our nursing students must balance school and work with family responsibilities. As described in the 2011 preview report, what we have not yet fully recognized is that learners not only want timely access to information on the network, but to their social networks that can help them interpret it and maximize its value. third trend is certainly being echoed in health care forums: The world of work is increasingly collaborative, giving rise to reflection about the way student projects are structured. Health care professionals need to work together in a collaborative manner to ensure safe and quality patient-centric care. Although collaborative learning is needed and we acknowledge the need for more interdisciplinary educational opportunities, we continually fall back to our silos and the practice of teaching to the test. final trend is probably the least recognized by educators across most disciplines: The technologies we use are increasingly cloud-based, and our notions of IT support are I would suspect that many faculty are fairly ignorant of cloud-based computing and do not keep tabs on the structure of IT services within their organizations. Most faculty just want 24/7 support; they are not aware if the support they receive is centralized or decentralized. …

Online social networking and trade union membership: what the Facebook phenomenon truly means for labor organizers

Union membership has declined precipitously in a number of countries, including in the United States, over the past fifty years. Can anything be done to stem this decline? This article argues that union voice is a positive attribute (among others) of union membership that is experiential in nature and that, unlike the costs of unionization, can be discerned only after exposure to a union. This makes the act of ‘selling’ unionism to workers (and to some extent firms as well) difficult. Supportive social trends and social customs are required in order to make unionization's hard-to-observe benefits easier to discern. Most membership-based institutions face the same dilemma. However, recent social networking organizations such as Facebook have been rather successful in attracting millions of active members in a relatively short period of time. The question of whether the union movement can appropriate some of these lessons is discussed with reference to historical and contemporary examples.

Typing Together? Clustering of Ideological Types in Online Social Networks

ABSTRACT In the brief span of only a few years, the Facebook social networking site has emerged as a central forum for social interaction and communication. The fact that Facebook members may well be rich in “virtual social capital” could be important news from the standpoint of political engagement and mobilization, and, more broadly, in terms of the content and patterns of social interaction. In this article, we discuss the significance of the Facebook phenomenon for scholarship on social networks. A brief introduction to Facebook is presented, along with an assessment of the benefits and limitations inherent in research regarding Facebook networks. We then report some preliminary analyses of small samples from those networks. Drawing on past research regarding face-to-face social relationships, we examine whether online linkages possess some of the central characteristics common in more traditional forms of networks. Specifically, we focus on whether there are signs of clustering by Facebook members according to their political views, and whether the effects of tie strength observed in other forms of networks also are in evidence on Facebook.

Fra onlinefællesskaber til onlinenetværk: Facebook som augmentering af den sociale virkelighed [From online communities to online networks: Facebook as an augmentation of social reality

This article discusses the Facebook phenomenon, using it as an example of how the most dominant social use of the Internet today is network-based rather than community-based. In the early years of the Internet, online communities were popular fora for meeting new people with related interests or opinions. Today, the dominant social use is to create and maintain relationships with your existing social network. It is also demonstrated that the success of Facebook, is dependent, among other factors, upon the fulfilment of five social functions for the users: self-presentation, friendship, object sharing, publication, and having a “sixth sense”. Thus, Facebook contributes to an enhancement of existing social relationships offline, what I call an augmentation of social reality.

Checking Out Facebook.com: The Impact of a Digital Trend on Academic Libraries

While the burgeoning trend in online social networks has gained much attention from the media, few studies in library science have yet to address the topic in depth. This article reports on a survey of 126 academic librarians concerning their perspectives toward Facebook.com, an online network for students. Findings suggest that librarians are overwhelmingly aware of the “Facebook phenomenon.” Those who are most enthusiastic about the potential of online social networking suggested ideas for using Facebook to promote library services and events. Few individuals reported problems or distractions as a result of patrons accessing Facebook in the library. When problems have arisen, strict regulation of access to the site seems unfavorable. While some librarians were excited about the possibilities of Facebook, the majority surveyed appeared to consider Facebook outside the purview of professional librarianship.