Online Social Networking, Interactions, and Relations: Students at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein
Journal
Qualitative Sociology Review
ISSN
1733-8077
ISSN-Digital
1733-8077
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2018
Author(s)
Abstract (De)
Online social networking (OSN) is an activity performed through social network sites (SNS) such as Face- book, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Instagram. OSN has become a dominant interaction mechanism within contemporary society. Online platforms are woven inextricably into the fabric of individuals’ everyday lives, especially those of young adults. We present a mixed-methods study—conducted at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein—that analyzes how students reflect on their everyday experiences of OSN. The key theoretical frameworks guiding this research are phenomenology, existentialism, and reflexive sociology. These theoretical lenses collectively assist in broadening our understanding of the stu- dents’ experiences that reveal the complexities associated with their interactions and social relations via SNS. From their narratives we learn how the students make sense of their engagements on SNS, how these engagements have an impact on their social interactions, and how OSN affects their self-presentation.
Language
English
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Volume
14
Number
4
Start page
100
End page
120
Pages
21
Subject(s)
Contact Email Address
florian.elliker@unisg.ch
Eprints ID
267743