Adult and Teen Opinion on Online Social Networking - Essay Example

Research Proposal: A Study of Adult and Teen Differential opinion regarding Online Social Networking Submitted ___________________ Submitted by: ___________________ Course: ________________________ Date of Submission: ______________ Table of Contents: 1. Introduction 1.1 Online Social Networking 1.2 Opinions regarding social Networking 1.3 Aims and objectives of the study 1.4 Rationale and Significance 1.5 Problem Statement 2. Literature Review 3. Procedure 3.1 Research Method and Tools 3.2 Sampling and Data collection 3.3 Summary and Analysis of work 3.4 Presentation of Findings (This will be followed by the chapters of discussion, suggestions and recommendations, limitations and conclusion; all of which will be formulated in light of the findings yielded by the proposed study). Bibliography 1. Introduction 1.1 Online Social Networking There are numerous social networking websites available free nowadays. A social network site provides individuals with a platform to build their own profiles and connect with other members on the network (Lenhart & Madden, 2007). Orkut, Face book and Twitter are only a few examples. Orkut is community based and less personal, while Face book, Twitter and My Space are more personalized kind of social networking platforms. The common characteristics of all social networks are the provision rather the requirement of making a profile that usually demands some personal information including contact information. 1.2 Different Opinions regarding Online Social Networking A national survey conducted by the American Life Project in collaboration with the Pew research center (as cited in Lenhart & Madded, 2007), revealed that more than half of the teenagers, aged between 12 and 17 years of age regularly use online social networking. A technology being used at such a rate definitely would be having some effects on the lifestyle of its users. According to Pew Internet (cited in Chartier, 2009), a survey in 2008 revealed that the ratio of adult versus teen users of online social networks is 1:2. Teenagers form a group almost double in size to that of adults comprising social network users. Such findings lead to the speculation that adults and teenagers might have different opinions regarding the usability, security issues, productivity and impacts of social networking on one’s life. 1.3 Aims and objectives of the study This study aims at identifying and presenting the differences in opinion that exist among adults and teenagers regarding the usage of online social networking. The main objective is to explore the areas of perceptions regarding online social networking in which the two age groups differ. 1.4 Rationale and Significance of the study Different surveys conducted by Pew Internet in 2007 and 2008 have revealed that teenagers use online social networking twice as much as adults do. Keeping in view these striking differences, it is speculated that opinion differences regarding the usage of online social networking might also be prevalent among the two groups. This study is an attempt to reveal such perceptional differences among the two age groups. It is hoped that it will contribute eventually in bridging these opinion gaps among the two groups. If the findings are utilized properly, the study can lead in spreading proper awareness about social networking websites in light of authentic research studies on the role of online social networking in collective and individual lives of people. 1.5 Problem Statement To study the perceptional differences among adults and teenagers in the usage of and issues related to online social networking. 2. Literature Review Some relevant literature has been reviewed in order to formulate this research proposal. Further literature however, must be reviewed before the actual study and the finalizing of the questionnaire. In a study, Kraut and colleagues (2001) showed that a statistically significant correlation exists between social networking and isolation. With increase in social network usage, a significant decline in communication with family and decrease in size of local social network was observed. The study clearly indicated that people who use more social networks for interaction are eventually left with less time and opportunities for live and local social interaction with friends and especially with families. According to a poll cited in Joel (2010), which asked the respondents to identify their most time wasting activity, the percentage of responses were highest for social networking, second highest for fantasy sports and third for watching TV. But Joel (2010) further says in his paper, that there is a difference in spending time and wasting time. There are actually many useful activities available on social networks and what is time usage or spending of time productively online is often wrongly perceived as time wastage. Joel’s (2010) opinion is supported by the study that follows. The University of Minnesota conducted a study in 2008; which revealed the educational benefits of social networking. These include access to educational sources for low income students, sharing of creative and original work, developing a positive attitude towards technology and communicating with their professors and fellow students. Greenhow (2008) concluded that the study has not only revealed the educational usage of social networking but has also provided many implications for modern day educators to incorporate the usage of social networking in their teaching methodology. An exploratory study by Raizada and colleagues (2009) conducted to find out the effects of social networking on student’s life revealed that people have mixed view regarding social networking online. Positive effects reported by respondents included: more interaction with people having similar preferences, enhanced decision making ability, access to extended knowledge sources in their respective fields and chances to meet suitable recruiters; while the negative effects reported involve: spending too much time on social networks due to addiction to it, security and privacy problems and religious harassment due to lack of regular monitoring and unfiltered comments from simply anyone anywhere in the world. The above studies show that social networking has mixed effects on lives of individuals and different people have different opinions regarding the usage of such technology as social networking. 3. Procedure 3.1 Research Method and Tools Keeping in view the opinion based nature of this research, it will be kept qualitative. According to the Research Methods Knowledge Base (2006), qualitative studies are more suitable in yielding detailed, exploratory data as compared to quantitative studies. The research tool best suitable for this study appears to be a questionnaire. According to the Evaluative Resources at the University of Sheffield (2010), Semi structured questionnaire is the best tool for exploratory and qualitative studies since it allows exploring of the variables under study in a time saving yet comprehensive manner. Therefore, a semi structured, open ended questionnaire will be developed to explore the opinion of the sample groups on specific relevant variables. The questionnaire will cover variables related to social networking highlighted during the detailed literature review. 3.2 Sampling and Data collection The sample will be purposive. It will consist of 20 teenagers who use online social networking and 20 adult users. These can be users of any online social network. The total sample size will thus reach 40. The sample will be drawn from different colleges and universities of the locality. 3.3 Result Analysis Once the questionnaires are filled, the results will be analyzed and conclusions will be drawn afterwards. The responses of both groups on each question (representing a relevant variable) will be categorized and percentages of opinion on that variable will be calculated for each question included. 3.4 Presentation of Findings The findings will be presented with help of graphs and tables. Pie charts will be used where ever necessary to show the percentages of differential opinion. (This will be followed by the chapters of discussion, suggestions and recommendations, limitations and conclusion; all of which will be formulated in light of the findings yielded by the proposed study). Bibliography Chatier, D., 2009. Teens on social networks still outrank adults. [Online]. Available at: http://arstechnica.com/web/news/2009/01/teens-on-social-networks-still-outrank-adults-2-1.ars [Accessed: 18 October 2010]. Joel, M., 2010. Social Media: A wasto of time? Vancouversun. [Online]. Availabale at: http://www.vancouversun.com/opinion/Social+media+waste+time/3670151/story.html [Accessed 18 October 2010]. Kraut, R; Kiesler, S & Boneva, B., 2001. Internet Paradox Revised. Carnegie Mellon University. [Online]. Available at: http://www.webuse.umd.edu/webshop/resources/kraut.pdf [Accessed 18 October 2010] Lenhart, A, Madden, M., 2007. Social networking websites and teens. Pew Internet. [Online]. Available at: http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2007/Social-Networking-Websites-and-Teens.aspx [Accessed 18 October 2010]. Raizada, R; Vinaik, T & Srivastav, G., 2009. The effects of social networking sites on the personal lives of the people. [Online]. Available at: http://www.scribd.com/doc/13653301/The-Effect-of-Social-Networking-Sites [Accessed on 18 October 2010]. The University of Sheffield., 2010. Lets evaluation resources. [Online]. Avaialable at: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/lets-evaluate/general/methodscollection/questionnaire.html#Using+questionnaires [Accessed 18 October 2010]. University of Minnesota., 1998. Educational Benefits of Social Networking Sites Uncovered.  ScienceDaily. [Online]. Available at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080620133907.htm [Accessed 18 October 2010]. Web Center for social Research Methods., 2006. Research methods knowledge base. [Online] (Updated 20 October 2006). Available at: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/qual.php [Accessed 18 October 2010]. Read More