Social networking sites are a recent phenomenon and have experienced tremendous growth in popularity especially among young people. Social networking sites are changing the way individuals communicate with each other and the world. Social networking sites (SNS) provide users with a unique computer-mediated environment where individuals are able to disclose their thoughts, feelings, and experiences within their own social network. The present study aims to explore the experiences of young adults regarding Facebook. A transcendental phenomenological approach was used to elicit the essence of the experiences of the participants. Theoretical sampling ensured relevant participants were selected through haphazard sampling procedures. Data was collected through the use of biographical questionnaires and individual, semi-structured interviews. The data was processed according to the four phenomenological principles epoche, phenomenological reduction, imaginative variation and synthesis using Tesch’s eight steps. Lincoln and Guba’s model was used to assess the trustworthiness of the data obtained. The participants described their experiences of Facebook by highlighting how they use Facebook as a communication tool which assists them in their relationship maintenance with others. Participants use self-presentation on Facebook to manage how they are perceived. The participants experience Facebook as having many privacy risks. They indicated that Facebook has addictive qualities and facilitates cyber stalking behaviour.

No description available.

published_or_final_version / English / Master / Master of Arts

周密. / "2007年9月". / 論文(哲學碩士)--香港中文大學, 2007. / 參考文獻(leaves 110-115). / "2007 nian 9 yue". / Abstract also in English. / Zhou Mi. / Can kao wen xian (leaves 110-115). / Lun wen (zhe xue shuo shi)--Xianggang Zhong wen da xue, 2007. / Chapter 第一章、 --- 引言 --- p.1 / Chapter 第二章、 --- 互聯網與集體行爲 --- p.7 / Chapter 第三章、 --- 中國的網絡控制 --- p.20 / Chapter 第四章、 --- 網上集體行爲的形成：“野百合´ح的個案 --- p.38 / Chapter 第五章、 --- 高校BBS實名製作爲網絡控制：産生網上對抗性集體行爲的動因 --- p.74 / Chapter 第六章、 --- 結論與討論 --- p.106 / 参考文献 --- p.110

DISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF COMMERCE IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS TO THE FACULTY OF COMMERCE, LAW AND MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG FEBRUARY 2015 / Social Network Sites (SNS) such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Piniterest and Google+ have made it easy for youth to communicate, produce and share information. Using SNS has become a daily activity for many youth and young adults around the world, including South Africa. The use of SNS by youth may be motivated by needs for safety, belonging, self-esteem and self-actualization, and others such as enjoyment. Yet, the use of SNS by youth may also carry a number of risks. They include risks to violations of privacy, social and psychological risks that may harm the user’s self-image, as well as time and financial risks resulting from excessive SNS usage. The purpose of this study is to understand the tension between risks and motivation in the use of SNS by university students. To do so, this study developed an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Multi-dimensional risk and motivation constructs were examined for their interactions with TAM constructs of perceived ease of use and perceive usefulness and their effects on SNS usage intentions and actual usage were examined. To test the model, a non-probability convenience sampling method was adopted using students from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Five hundred and fifteen students participated in the study. The ages ranged between 18 and 34 years, 26% males and 74% females took part in the study, and included students from 1st year through to 4th year undergraduate or Honours level. Facebook was found to be the most used SNS. Approximately 80% of respondents reported accessing SNS on their mobile phones and 66% reported being always connected. More than 25% of respondents were actively using SNS for more than 3 hours a day, with 35% using less than one hour per day. Interestingly, only 35% reported having public profiles although 10% did not know whether their profiles were public or private, and nearly 40% of respondents knew less than half the “friends” they were connected to on SNS Partial least squares approach to structured equation modelling was used to test the hypothesised research model. Results showed that motivation influences perceived usefulness (β=0.239, p<0.001) and perceived ease of use (β=0.319, p<0.001) positively. The results suggest that when motivations such as enjoyment and need to belong are high, SNS will be perceived as useful and easy to use. Risk was found to have a negative influence on perceived usefulness (β=-0.0764, p<0.05) and perceived ease of use (β=-0.3265, p<0.001). The results show that when risks are considered high, users are likely to increase their vigilance and consequently will report SNS as less easy to use. Moreover, as a result of risk users may find the SNS less useful. Perceived usefulness (β=0.295, p<0.001) influences intention to use SNS positively. This suggests that when SNS is useful to users, they will have intentions to use it. Intention to use SNS is also influenced by perceived ease of use (β=0.0396, p<0.01). An easy to use SNS will make users want to use it, as opposed to one considered more complex and requiring more effort. Motivation (β=0.281, p<0.001) was found to have more of an effect than risk (β=-0.071, p<0.05) on intentions to use. Respondents thus appear to recognize some risks associated with SNS use, but they appear to be driven more by motivations and less by risk avoidance when deciding on SNS usage. The study will have implications for researchers, SNS providers and users. The results of the study have implications for how researchers conceptualize risk and motivation. The study shows how different dimensions of risk and dimensions of motivation affect the overall risk and overall motivation construct respectively. Currently SNS providers may not have deep understanding of the risks which hinder the use of SNS and motivations which drive the use of SNS. Providers will be better informed to design SNS that are less risky and where possible mitigate the risks. Results also show that SNS providers should not only mitigate risks but also provide online social networks that better fulfil motivational needs of youth. Users will be aware of different risks they are exposing themselves to by using SNS. Since users will be aware of the different types of risks, they can be vigilante when using SNS. / MT2017

Jiang, Qiaolei. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 293-328). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

University of Macau / Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities / Department of Communication

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Since its birth in the early 1960's the Internet has been growing exponentially in all areas and it is predicted that by the year 2002, 490 million people around the world will have Internet access. Similarly, a rapidly increasing number of people are finding themselves working and playing on the Internet, using computer mediated communication (CMC) to converse, exchange information, debate, court, and show compassion. As a result CMC has become a new way for people to find or meet each other via social Internet tools and form and develop personal relationships. Malcolm R. Parks (1997) compiled a theory of relational development, incorporating seven dimensions along which the nature of interaction changes as relationships develop or deteriorate: 1. Interdependence (influence on each other), 2. Breadth (variety of interaction), 3. Depth (intimacy of interaction), 4. Commitment (expectations that a relationship will continue), 5. Predictability and understanding (familiarity with each other), 6. Code change (creating own linguistic forms and culture) and 7. Network convergence (introducing each other to respective online contacts and social networks). This study investigated the relational development reached in interpersonal relationships initiated and maintained online via social Internet tools. As mainly South Africans responded, results provide first time information about South African Web users' online relationships. Results show that the majority of online relationships reached above average levels of relational development as measured by elevated scores on most of the seven dimensions. The results also show significant differences between the levels of relational development reached in online friendships as opposed to online romantic attachments. The results are consistent with past research and could be used as a point of departure for further investigations into South African's Internet social practices and relational development in online settings. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Internet het, sedert sy oorsprong in die vroee 1960's, eksponensieel gegroei tot die mate dat, teen die jaar 2002, 'n voorspelde 490 miljoen mense wereldwyd Internet toegang sal he. Daar is net so 'n dramatiese toename in die hoeveelheid mense wat die Internet begin gebruik ten einde te werk en te speel, deur CMC (computer mediated communication) te gebruik om te gesels, te debatteer, inligting uit te ruil, mekaar die hof te maak en ondersteuning te verleen. As gevolg hiervan is CMC 'n nuwe platform waar mense mekaar ontmoet deur sosiale Internet instrumente in te span en op hierdie wyse persoonlike verhoudings te begin. Malcolm R. Parks (1997) het 'n teorie van relasionele ontwikkeling saamgestel, waarvolgens hy die sewe dimensies wat verander soos verhoudings groei of disintegreer, inkorporeer. Die dimensies is: 1. Interafhanklikheid (invloed op mekaar), 2. Breedte (variasie van interaksie), 3. Diepte (intimiteit van interaksie), 4. Verbintenis (verwagting dat die verhouding sal hou), 5. Voorspelbaarheid en begrip (bekend wees met mekaar), 6. Kode verandering (nuwe taalvorme en idiome) en 7. Netwerk konversie (om mekaar bekend te stel aan elektroniese en ander kontakte). Hierdie studie het die relasionele ontwikkeling ondersoek wat bereik is deur interpersoonlike verhoudinge wat deur middel van 'n sosiale Internet instrument ge'inisieer en onderhou is. Hoofsaaklik Suid-Afrikaners het deelgeneem en vir die eerste keer is statistiek oor Suid- Afrikaanse Internet gebruikers se elektroniese vehoudings beskikbaar. Resuitate toon dat die meerderheid van die verhoudings hoer as gemiddelde vlakke van relasionele ontwikkeling bereik het, 5005 gemeet deur die sewe dimensies. Die resultate wys ook dat daar 'n betekenisvolle verskil is tussen die relasionele ontwikkeling van elektroniese vriendskappe en romantiese verbintenisse. Die resultate stem ooreen met vorige studies en vorm 'n stewige grondslag vir verdere navorsing oor Suid-Afrikaners se sosiale Internet praktyke en verhoudings.

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The most commonly searched for topic on the internet revolve around sexuality. These searches, known as online sexual pursuits, may be influenced by one’s personality traits, such as sexual sensation seeking (Kalichman et al., 1994), which has been associated with various sexual risk behaviours and could increase one’s chances of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and infections. It is therefore vital for researchers to examine the association between sexual sensation seeking and the internet. This study collected data from 336 participants who responded to instruments on an online survey which consisted of a demographic questionnaire, the Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale (Kalichman et al., 1994), the Sexual Compulsivity Scale (Kalichman & Rompa, 1995), the Big Five Inventory (John, Naumann, & Soto, 2008), the Real Me Questionnaire (Amichai-Humburger, Wainapel, & Fox, 2002), Klein’s Sexual Orientation Grid (Klein, 1993), and items associated with sexual risk behaviour (Mashegoane, Moalusi, Ngoepe, & Peltzer, 2002), online deception (Capri & Gorski, 2006; Stieger , Eichinger, & Honeder, 2009), and internet use. Results from multiple regression analyses indicated that extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, sexual compulsivity, sexual risk behaviour, and online self-disclosure were statistically significant (p < .05) predictors of sexual sensation seeking. The study used product-term regression analysis to examine the influence that time spent on the internet has on sexual sensation seeking and its relationship with the statistical predictors thereof. Three distinct third variables were used, namely, hours spent on the internet for work purpose (work hours), hours spent on the internet associated with online sexual pursuits (sexual hours), and hours spent on the internet for personal purposes (personal hours). Through the use of product-term regression analyses I was able to show that work hours as a third variable moderated the relationship between extraversion and sexual sensation seeking; work hours indirectly influenced sexual sensation seeking through sexual compulsivity; and that work hours as a third variable moderated the relationship between online self-disclosure and sexual sensation seeking. Furthermore, sexual hours as a third variable moderated the relationship between sexual compulsivity and sexual sensation seeking. Finally, I have shown that, within the sample, personal hours as a third variable moderated the relationship between sexual compulsivity and sexual sensation seeking; personal hours indirectly influenced sexual sensation seeking through sexual risk behaviour; and personal hours indirectly influenced sexual sensation seeking through online self-disclosure. It thus seems that time spent online influences sexual sensation seeking. It is advised that internet use policies be put in place to establish and maintain a professional culture within the workplace, and to ensure that job performance is consistently met. Internet software packages may be used to identify and report unauthorized online activity, and monitor hours spent online in order to identify individuals who may require treatment with regards to problematic internet use, sexual compulsivity, and inappropriate sexual behaviour in the workplace. Furthermore, the results of this study highlight the internet’s influence on the relationship between sexual compulsivity and sexual sensation seeking, and as such, may be of interest to sex therapists and counsellors in the field of hypersexuality. Finally, corporations, university officials, and youth and sexual health organisations may want to create awareness and provide educational resources with regards to the health risks associated with exploring sexuality via the internet. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Temas wat rondom seksualiteit gefokus is, is die mees algemeenste onderwerp wat op die internet nagevors word. Hierdie internet soeke, naamlik aanlyn seksuele strewe, word deels beïnvloed deur persoonlikheids-eienskappe, soos seksuele sensasiesoeke. Verder, seksuele sensasiesoeke is geassosieer met ‘n wye reeks riskante seksuele gedrag en kan die kanse tot seksueel oordraagbare siektes en infeksies verhoog. Hieruit volg dus die noodsaaklikheid dat navorsers die assosiasie moet ondersoek tussen seksuele sensasiesoeke en die internet. In ‘n aanlyn-opname is data van 336 respondente versamel deur die gebruik van instrumente soos 'n demografiese vraelys, Seksuele Sensasiesoekende Skaal (Kalichman et al., 1994), Seksuele Kompulsiwiteit Skaal (Kalichman & Rompa, 1995), Groot-Vyf Inventaris (John, Naumann, & Soto, 2008), Ware Ek Vraelys (Amichai-Humburger, Wainapel, & Fox, 2002), Klein se Seksuele Oriëntasie Rooster (Klein, 1993), en items wat verband hou met riskante seksuele gedrag (Mashegoane, Moalusi, Ngoepe, & Peltzer, 2002), aanlynmisleiding (Capri & Gorski, 2006; Stieger , Eichinger, & Honeder, 2009), en internetgebruik. Resultate van 'n meervoudige regressie-analise het aangedui dat ekstraversie, pligsgetrouheid, welgevalligheid, neurotisisme, seksuele kompulsiwiteit, riskante seksuele gedrag, en aanlyn self bekendmaking statisties beduidende (p < .05) voorspellers van seksuele sensasiesoeke is. Hierdie studie het produk-term regressie-analise (toets vir interaksie met behulp van meervoudige regressie) gebruik om die derde veranderlik van tyd wat op die internet gespandeer word te analiseer met betrekking tot die verhouding tussen seksuele sensasiesoeke en die statistiese voorspellers van seksuele sensasiesoek. Die derde veranderlike bestaan uit drie verskillende kategorieë naamlik, ure wat aanlyn gespandeer is vir werksdoeleindes (werksure), ure wat op die internet gespandeer is wat verband hou met aanlyn seksuele strewe (seksuele ure), en ure wat aanlyn vir persoonlike doeleindes gespandeer is (persoonlike ure). Resultate dui daarop neer dat werksure die verhouding tussen ekstraversie en seksuele sensasiesoeke gemodereer het, werksure het seksuele sensasiesoeke indirek gebeïnvloed deur seksuele kompulsiwiteit, en dat werksure die verhouding tussen aanlyn selfbekendmaking en seksuele sensasiesoeke gemodereer het. Verder het seksuele ure die verhouding tussen seksuele kompulsiwiteit en seksuele sensasiesoeke gemodereer. Persoonlike ure het die verhouding tussen seksuele kompulsiwiteit en seksuele sensasiesoeke gemodereer, persoonlike ure het seksuele sensasiesoeke indirek gebeïnvloed deur riskante seksuele gedrag, en persoonlike ure het seksuele sensasiesoeke indirek beïnvloed deur aanlyn selfbekendmaking. Dit blyk derhalwe dat die tyd wat op die internet gespandeer word het 'n invloed op seksuele sensasiesoeke. Daar word voorgestel dat beperkende beleidsriglyne binne internetgeledere ingestel word ten einde ‘n professionele kultuur binne die werkplek te verseker. Internet-programme kan gebruik word om ongemagtigde internet-aktiwiteit te identifiseer en aan te meld, aanlyntyd te kontroleer en persone te identifiseer vir moontlike behandeling vir internetverwante probleme, seksuele kompulsiwiteit en ontoepaslike seksuele gedrag binne die werkplek. Voorts fokus hierdie studie op die invloed van die internet met betrekking tot die verhouding tussen seksuele kompulsiwiteit en seksuele sensasiesoeke, en kan van beduidende belang wees vir seksterapeute en beraders wat spesialiseer in die veld van hiperseksualiteit. Ten slotte skep hierdie studie ‘n platform vir organisasies, universiteite, jeug- en seksuele gesondheidsorganisasies om bewustheid en programme te bevorder wat die gesondheids-risiko’s aanspreek wat verband hou met seksuele strewe op die internet.

Smelser's theory of collective behavior holds that people join radical social movements because they experience strain. Among the most serious strains are anxieties that relate to one's social status and the roles that correspond to it. A social movement arises as a means of coping with these anxieties. Militia presence and activity on the Internet (especially Usenet) is a phenomenon that can be studied within the framework of Smelser's theory. Militia watchers contend that those who join the militias have experienced the kinds of strain to which Smelser refers. A content analysis of Internet traffic of U.S. militias provides a test of the general thesis outlined above. By analyzing Internet sites it is possible to examine whether militiamen have experienced strain, and whether the strain, together with other factors, influence an individual's decision to join the militia. This dissertation was the first sociological study of American militias on the Internet and the first in which militias from all regions of the country was studied. Information was gathered on 171 militiamen who joined 28 militias. A qualitative analysis of militia web sites and Usenet traffic (n=1,189 online documents) yielded answers to seven research questions. Most militiamen studied experienced some form of stress or strain prior to joining the militia. Within this context, three generalized beliefs arose to help explain this stress among those militiamen. Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco (BATF) raids at Ruby Ridge, Idaho and Waco, Texas were mentioned most often as movement precipitants. Based on the militiamen studied, the militia movement was Internet-driven, although a number of alternative media played a joint role in movement mobilization. On the basis of the cases studied, increased social control following the Oklahoma City bombing affected the direction of the movement as many militias went underground. Yet, Usenet traffic by and about militiamen rose significantly. Constitutionalism was the primary philosophical orientation of the militias in this dissertation; however, Christian Identity militias were growing in number and visibility.