The use of social media among first-year student groups: A uses and gratifications perspective
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Date
2021-06
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Research Institute for Knowledge Content Development & Technology
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to explore the uses and gratification
of social media among first-year student groups at a satellite campus
of a public university in Ghana. The study employed a descriptive survey
design. The study involved all 1061 first-year university students in
six academic departments of the College. A total of 680 (64%) participants
returned validly completed copies of the questionnaire. Descriptive
statistics and thematic analysis were employed for data analysis. The
findings indicate that WhatsApp was the most popular application for
social media groups, while a need for information-sharing, peer-tutoring
and learning, and finding and keeping friends were the primary motivations
for joining social media groups. First-year students are involved mainly
in reactive activities, as most engage when solving an academic assignment
through group discussions. Though challenges persist, such as posting
of unwanted images, inadequate participation, and ineffective and
irrelevant communication, most are willing to continue their social media
groups' membership in the long term. This study provides valuable insight
into transitioning students' lived experiences on social media from the
group perspective. These insights are valuable conceptually and practically
to academic counsellors, librarians and student affairs officers who are
expected to provide on-going education on (social) media literacy to
first-year students to enhance the adjustment process. The study is the
first of its kind in Ghana that investigates social media group participants'
exit intentions.
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Citation
Owusu-Ansah, C., Arthur, B., Franklina, A. Y., & Amoako, K. (2021). The use of social media among first-year student groups: A uses and gratifications perspective. International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology, 11(4), 7-34. doi:https://doi.org/10.5865/IJKCT.2021.11.4.007