Features Of Social Networking Sites Research Articles

Guidelines for Designing Social Networking Sites for Older Adults: A Systematic Review with Thematic Synthesis

Social networking site (SNS) inaccessibility remains a barrier for many older adults. Increasingly, research has sought to address these shortcomings with recommendations for design. However, commercial uptake of these findings remains limited, in part, due to the scattering of recommendations across publications, heterogeneity in the SNS systems and features examined, and a lack of sensitivity within the existing guidelines to the heterogeneity of the target demographic. To counter these challenges, we conducted a systematic review following a thematic synthesis approach of 25 empirical studies on SNS design recommendations for older adults. From these, we synthesized a cohesive set of ten distinct design recommendations. These include ensuring an easy-to-use interface, improving social connection features, ensuring personal privacy, and introducing customized features and personalized content. In synthesizing the results, particular care was taken to capture the ways in which population diversity moderates recommendations. The results of this review can serve as a resource for designers and practitioners working on inclusive SNS for older adults. They also highlight the need for additional research into understanding user diversity in relation to SNS accessibility.

Feeling Authentic on Social Media: Subjective Authenticity Across Instagram Stories and Posts

Self-presentation on social network sites (SNS) such as Instagram is often assumed to be inauthentic or even fake. While authenticity on SNS has been linked to increased well-being, most research has investigated it either monolithically (e.g., via screen time measures) or with regard to stable self-presentations (e.g., in Facebook profiles). In contrast, this study compares subjective authenticity perceptions within users and between self-presentations via two SNS features—Stories vs Posts. Drawing on the affordances approach, we theorize and test whether and how Stories produce greater state authenticity than Posts. Results from a preregistered within-subjects study comparing self-reports on N = 489 Posts and N = 546 Stories from N = 202 Instagram users show that by allowing more spontaneous self-presentation, Stories indeed produced (slightly) higher authenticity perceptions than Posts. However, subjective authenticity was high in both features, indicating that they similarly offer a space for authentic online self-presentation.

The secret thoughts of social network sites users: a scale for the measurement of online knowledge-hiding in a knowledge exchange (KE) context

ABSTRACT Social networking sites (SNSs) are widely used to support online learning and knowledge exchange (KE) in projects that require the coordination of collaborative team-playing, especially in COVID-19 world pandemic. Paradoxically, while digital infrastructures enable instant communication, SNSs are not always conducive to KE behaviours, as learners are reticent to exchange knowledge with their peers online due to trust issues like personal privacy and Intellectual property rights protection, leads online users to conceal knowledge. Given that online-based KE practices are still in their infancy, one major weakness in current educational and knowledge management research is the lack of a reliable scale to measure knowledge-hiding online. This study develops and validates a novel Online Knowledge-hiding (OKH) scale that keeps into account the distinctive features of SNSs. While building on prior measurements of knowledge-hiding, we identify, test, and validate different indicators of the latent OKH construct. A mixed-method approach to scale development was used to validate this scale. Results show that the proposed scale is effective for organisations to assess whether online knowledge-hiding takes place during KE activities. The usefulness of this scale lies in improving the online collaborative learning environment while setting the foundation to address KE-related deviant behaviours at their incipit.

Managing Procrastination on Social Networking Sites: The D-Crastinate Method.

Procrastination refers to the voluntary avoidance or postponement of action that needs to be taken, that results in negative consequences such as low academic performance, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Previous work has demonstrated the role of social networking site (SNS) design in users’ procrastination and revealed several types of procrastination on SNS. In this work, we propose a method to combat procrastination on SNS (D-Crastinate). We present the theories and approaches that informed the design of D-Crastinate method and its stages. The method is meant to help users to identify the type of procrastination they experience and the SNS features that contribute to that procrastination. Then, based on the results of this phase, a set of customised countermeasures are suggested for each user with guidelines on how to apply them. To evaluate our D-Crastinate method, we utilised a mixed-method approach that included a focus group, diary study and survey. We evaluate the method in terms of its clarity, coverage, efficiency, acceptance and whether it helps to increase users’ consciousness and management of their own procrastination. The evaluation study involved participants who self-declared that they frequently procrastinate on SNS. The results showed a positive impact of D-Crastinate in increasing participants’ awareness and control over their procrastination and, hence, enhancing their digital wellbeing.

The use of social networking sites, body image dissatisfaction, and body dysmorphic disorder: A systematic review of psychological research.

The escalation of social networking site (SNS) usage has led to much research examining both the positive and negative implications SNS can have on well-being. However, whilst many studies have investigated the relationship between SNS usage and body image, there remains a paucity of research in regards to SNS usage and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). A systematic search was undertaken using Web of Science, PsychInfo and PubMed databases to identify SNS usage and patterns, SNS features and mediating factors contributing towards body image dissatisfaction, resulting in 40 studies meeting specific inclusion criteria. Findings identified passive SNS use and appearance-focused SNS use as particularly influential. Appearance-based comparisons were also found to be a strong mediator between SNS use and body image dissatisfaction. Using the current knowledge, parallels were highlighted in terms of body image dissatisfaction and BDD symptomatology, suggesting frequent SNS usage as a potential risk factor in the development of BDD symptoms.

Russian Students' Use of Social Network Sites for Selecting University Abroad

This qualitative case study explores how undergraduate students from the Russian State University for Humanities used social network sites (SNSs) for their decision to transfer to higher education institutions (HEIs) abroad. Participants reported using specific SNS features, such as likes and shares, for measuring HEI rating and indicated that ability to use native language was among motivating factors for membership in a specific SNS. The reported benefits of SNSs included instantaneous connections with likeminded individuals, realistic visualization of campuses, and unbiased and multidimensional views presented by SNS members. One of the emerging findings was that participants with no connections abroad relied exclusively on SNSs for their college choice. Participants with connections abroad relied on the advice of international contacts, and SNSs played a complementary role. HEI professionals may consider hiring and training international students to maintain consistent and meaningful content on different SNS platforms, particularly in their countries’ specific SNSs.

Understanding trust on social networking sites among tertiary students: An empirical study in Ghana

User trust in social networking sites (SNS) has become an important issue in SNS discussions. This is because of its impact on knowledge sharing, social commerce, social interaction, among many others. However, information systems researchers have primarily explored the benefits of trust with little attention to its antecedents. In an attempt to address this knowledge gap, this study proposed a model that investigated the factors that promote trust among SNS users. Data was gathered from voluntary respondents using a questionnaire. A PLS-SEM analysis of 912 valid responses suggested that Norm of Reciprocity, Social Interaction Ties and Identification are significant factors that encourage Trust among SNS users. Shared Language was also identified to have impact on Norm of Reciprocity, Social Interaction Ties and Identification. The results of the study provide significant theoretical and practical contributions. They bridge the knowledge gap regarding the formation of Trust on SNS. The model evaluated explains 49.6% of the variance in Trust and thus suitable for analyzing the antecedents of Trust on SNS. Furthermore, with the significance of Identification, Social Interaction Ties and Norm of Reciprocity on Trust, SNS developers are tasked to offer SNS features that proliferate the formation of these factors as well as shared interpretations.

Examining continuance use on social network and micro-blogging sites: Different roles of self-image and peer influence

Social network sites (SNS) and micro-blogging sites are popular yet distinctive social media. Previous studies have focused on one type of social media and thus overlook how the distinctive features of SNS and micro-blogging sites may affect underlying motivational mechanisms. To address this research gap, we draw from the self-regulation framework and propose a research model to explain how different appraisal factors (i.e., self-image and peer influence) affect continuance use through emotional responses (i.e., a sense of belonging and satisfaction). Furthermore, we argue that the effects of these appraisal and emotional factors are different across types of social media. We tested our research model by survey data collected from SNS and micro-blogging sites. The results confirm our hypotheses: First, self-image is a more significant factor in increasing SNS users’ sense of belonging and satisfaction, while peer influence has a greater effect on micro-blogging sites users’ sense of belonging and satisfaction. Second, the sense of belonging explains the greater variance of continuance intention in SNS as compared with satisfaction. A few theoretical and practical implications are discussed related to our findings on different motivational mechanisms.

Factors affecting social commerce acceptance: Perceived risks and social networking sites (SNS) use

As social media penetrates more deeply into people’s everyday lives, social commerce (a type of commerce that combines SNS features and possibility for commercial transactions) has enjoyed unprecedented growth. Shopping on Facebook is a representative example of social commerce platform that allows consumers to interact with other users, exchange information and purchase products without leaving a Facebook page. Social commerce presents great opportunities for marketers in terms of leveraging social aspects of shopping experience. It also offers a large potential for Korean companies to reach various target markets, as well as establish their presence abroad. Yet, acceptance of social commerce as a legitimate shopping channel has been slow, and consumers are still hesitant to shop via Facebook. This study draws on uses and gratification theory and the concept of perceived risk to examine how different motives for SNS use and the associated types of perceived risks can affect the purchase intention on the platform. Empirical data from 288 young users of Facebook were analyzed. Findings identified two main motives for SNS use: information-related motive and communication-related motive. Information-related motive significantly affected the intention to shop on Facebook, whereas communication- related motive did not have any significant influence. Risks associated with shopping via Facebook included delivery risk, security risk, social risk and economic risk. Overall, consumers perceived a higher level of security and social risk associated with shopping on Facebook. However, only social risk had a significant negative influence on the purchase intention. Awareness and previous experience of buying via social commerce platform positively affected consumers’ purchase intention.

Intention to donate via social network sites (SNSs)

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the differences in the external factors influencing intention to donate via social network sites (SNSs), and the online donation knowledge and awareness effect on the willingness to donate via SNS in the future between Malaysian and South Korean users.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 288 samples’ data obtained from online survey using the snowball technique were analyzed through using cross-tabulation with χ2 tests and multiple regression analysis.FindingsThe results show that there is no significant difference between those countries regarding the online donation knowledge and awareness. However, the online donation knowledge and awareness significantly affect the willingness to donate via SNSs for South Korean, but not for Malaysian. As for Malaysian, the results reveal that only SNS features factor does significantly influence the attitude toward online donations. As for South Korean, the charity project and internet technology features factor significantly influence the attitude toward online donations. The attitude toward online donations of both countries influences on their intention to donate via SNS.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample was gathered from certain regions in Malaysia and South Korea, and had slightly unbalanced characteristics (i.e. age), limiting the generalizability to the general population of both countries.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that non-profit organizations should consider the culture context in planning their future SNS donation program and focus on how to deal with the internet issues (e.g. trust, security), SNS features and charity project. As for Malaysian, promoting the internet and online donation awareness should be the priority before engaging in SNS donation program.Originality/valueWhilst research on culture context in donation area is plentiful, the area of SNS donation remains underexplored. This paper offers an in-depth understanding of what influences SNS donation related to the identified culture context.

Social Network Sites as ESL/EFL Learning and Teaching Tools: A Critical Review

This study analyzed the educational and instructional implications of Social Network Sites (SNS) in the ESL/EFL teaching and learning context. SNS's definition, types, classifications, features, positive and negative aspects, their educational implications as well as their limitations and challenges in the ESL/EFL classroom settings are identified and discussed in order to better utilize and integrate their innovative aspects into the language teaching and learning practices.

English

The purpose of the article is to analyse the various features and functions of online citation tools with the help of specially designed evaluation checklist and rank them based on features/functions. A structured evaluation checklist contains 90 dichotomous questions (features/functions) and is categorized in nine broad categories. The findings of the study explore different features of online citation tools which reveal that EasyBib online citation tool has the highest score and is ranked ‘high’ among the studied sixteen online citation tools; BibMe, Citation Machine, Cite This For Me, Citation Maker, Bib Builder, CiteFast, and Make Citation are ranked ‘low’ while the remaining eight Online Citation Tools with ‘very low’ rank. Citation tools under study are lagging behind in exploiting the optimum potential of mobile apps and social networking site features and also lack information guides for effective use of online citation tools.

A categorisation framework for a feature-level analysis of social network sites

Social media (SM) have enabled new forms of communication, interaction, and connectivity that affect individuals on a personal and professional level. But SM is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of technologies with both distinct and shared capabilities. In addition, while there is an agreed-upon definition of these systems, a comprehensive list of features and their affordances does not exist. Hence, this study sought to create a feature-level categorisation framework for analysing the use of social network sites (SNS). This categorisation was undertaken using the concept of affordances, which framed the high-level characteristics as well as distinct SNS features, to better understand the divergence in SNS capabilities and inform the study of different types of SM. The framework was created from an analysis of the literature on SNS affordances and a system investigation into three types of SNS (Facebook, YouTube and Twitter). The comprehensive review was undertaken using two families of SNS affordances (social and content affordances) identified in the literature to categorise and compare the platforms. The study reveals a diverse collection of features which afford behaviour in six areas of activity: profile building, social connectivity, social interactivity, content discovery, content sharing and content aggregation. Finally, the framework provides a basis from which the usage and management of SM within organisations can be more rigorously investigated.

Facebook Advertising Across an Engagement Spectrum: A Case Example for Public Health Communication.

BackgroundThe interpersonal, dialogic features of social networking sites have untapped potential for public health communication. We ran a Facebook advertising campaign to raise statewide awareness of Michigan’s newborn screening and biobanking programs.ObjectiveWe ran a Facebook advertising campaign to stimulate public engagement on the complex and sensitive issue of Michigan’s newborn screening and biobank programs.MethodsWe ran an 11-week, US $15,000 Facebook advertising campaign engaging Michigan Facebook users aged 18-64 years about the state’s newborn screening and population biobank programs, and we used a novel “engagement spectrum” framework to contextualize and evaluate engagement outcomes ranging from observation to multi-way conversation.ResultsThe campaign reached 1.88 million Facebook users, yielding a range of engagement outcomes across ad sets that varied by objective, content, budget, duration, and bid type. Ad sets yielded 9009 page likes (US $4125), 15,958 website clicks (US $5578), and 12,909 complete video views to 100% (US $3750). “Boosted posts” yielded 528 comments and 35,966 page post engagements (US $1500). Overall, the campaign led to 452 shares and 642 comments, including 176 discussing newborn screening and biobanking.ConclusionsFacebook advertising campaigns can efficiently reach large populations and achieve a range of engagement outcomes by diversifying ad types, bid types, and content. This campaign provided a population-based approach to communication that also increased transparency on a sensitive and complex topic by creating a forum for multi-way interaction.

Examining online citizenship behaviours in social network sites: a social capital perspective

ABSTRACTAs users have flocked to social network sites (SNSs), these sites have gained tremendous scale and concomitant social influence. This growth has come at the cost of social disruption caused by the posting of abusive comments and rumours that turn out to be false. To combat these negative phenomena, this study proposes SNS citizenship behaviour and examines it from the perspective of social capital theory. This study further examines how the key characteristics of SNS in terms of the concept of customer value affect social capital development in an SNS context. The test results explain that the structural, relational, and cognitive dimensions of social capital have significant direct and indirect effects on the SNS citizenship behaviour. These findings also explain that four key characteristics (exploration, communication support, playfulness, and responsiveness) of SNS affect the three dimensions of social capital. This study contributes to the literature in its establishment of the concept of SNS citizenship behaviour and examines it from the social capital theory perspective. Its findings have practical implications through its guidance on how to develop SNS features and manage these sites for the citizenship behaviour of their users, which are achievements for the harmonious and effective functioning of SNS.

An analytical study of user perception of social networking sites features

The features of popular social networking sites SNSs have been evolving rapidly. In this regard, there arise interesting questions that warrant investigations like, does user perception of SNSs get affected due to feature evolution of the SNSs? What features of the SNSs really matter to the users? Are features of SNSs important reasons for usage of these sites? In order to investigate these questions, the authors conducted an analytical study of SNSs usage in India. The study was undertaken with three stage qualitative process of detailed literature review, expert opinion elicitation followed by in-depth focus group discussions with 12 select panel of SNSs users. The study corroborates existing literature on SNS usage context in terms of usage purpose, usage impact due to user profile and age-group, user presence on different SNS platforms, and also shows some new findings on user perceptions on feature evolutions.

Why do social network site users share information on Facebook and Twitter?

Users join social network sites (SNSs) for social network building and information sharing, however, little has been ascertained as to why users share information on SNSs. This study examined why SNS users share information, knowledge, and personal experiences with others on SNSs. Through an online survey, 10 motivation factors were tested with Facebook and Twitter users. The findings indicate that the motivations of SNS users in sharing information could be attributed to various aspects such as demographic characteristics, experiences of SNSs and Internet usage, as well as the characteristics and features of SNSs. SNS users could be highly motivated by the learning and social engagement aspects of SNS services. It is also found that the motivations could vary depending on the characteristics of services. The results of this study could be helpful for researchers in understanding the underlying reasons for social activities as well as for SNS developers in improving SNS services.

Optimizing transparency for users in social networking sites

Purpose – This article aims to reflect on possible ways to optimise current ways to deliver information provision to make it more transparent to users. In particular, this article will refer to the benefits (and challenges) of using more user-centred approaches to inform users in a more transparent way. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper we analyse individual, as well as contextual factors (e.g. cognitive differences, time constraints, specific features of social networking sites [SNS] platforms) which may have an impact on the way users deal with Terms of Use, privacy policies and other types of information provision typically made available on SNS platforms. In addition, possible ways of improving current practices in the field are discussed. In particular, the benefits (and challenges) of a user-centred approach have been referred to when it comes to informing users in a way that is more meaningful to them. Finally, it is discussed how user-centred approaches can act as mechanisms to increase transparency in SNS environments and how (alternative) forms of regulation could benefit from such an approach. Findings – The authors believe that it is necessary to start focussing on users/consumers’ needs, expectations and values to develop visualisation tools that can help make law (more) meaningful to users/consumers by giving them a better insight into their rights and obligations and by guiding them in making truly informed decisions regarding their online choices and behaviour. Originality/value – By looking at different techniques such as visual design and the timing of information, the article contributes to the discussion on how people can be made more aware of legal documents and actually read them.

Building a Sense of Virtual Community: The Role of the Features of Social Networking Sites

In recent years, social networking sites have received increased attention because of the potential of this medium to transform business by building virtual communities. However, theoretical and empirical studies investigating how specific features of social networking sites contribute to building a sense of virtual community (SOVC)-an important dimension of a successful virtual community-are rare. Furthermore, SOVC scales have been developed, and research on this issue has been called for, but few studies have heeded this call. On the basis of prior literature, this study proposes that perceptions of the three most salient features of social networking sites-system quality (SQ), information quality (IQ), and social information exchange (SIE)-play a key role in fostering SOVC. In particular, SQ is proposed to increase IQ and SIE, and SIE is proposed to enhance IQ, both of which thereafter build SOVC. The research model was examined in the context of Facebook, one of the most popular social networking sites in the world. We adopted Blanchard's scales to measure SOVC. Data gathered using a Web-based questionnaire, and analyzed with partial least squares, were utilized to test the model. The results demonstrate that SIE, SQ, and IQ are the factors that form SOVC. The findings also suggest that SQ plays a fundamental role in supporting SIE and IQ in social networking sites. Implications for theory, practice, and future research directions are discussed.

The impact of social networking functionalities on online shopping: an examination of the web's relative advantage

Exponential growth of social networking has provided a revolutionary tool for firms to improve internet marketing activities. Firms are motivated to use social networking sites as they recognise the importance of having closer collaboration, improved customer relationship and, ultimately, increased sales transactions. In particular, social networking functionalities such as user generated contents and user collaboration are two of the main features of social networking site. The research survey is based upon a sample of 221 Facebook users. The findings illustrate that the web's relative advantages consisting of trust, convenience and information quality obtained from online resellers' website can facilitate an interactive and user-centred environment for electronic commerce. In addition, the relative advantages of the web largely depend on peers and engagement with sellers derived from social networking sites.