Online social networks: Why do students use facebook?

  • Authors:

  • Christy M. K. Cheung;Pui-Yee Chiu;Matthew K. O. Lee

  • Affiliations:

  • Department of Finance and Decision Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong;Department of Finance and Decision Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong;Department of Information Systems, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

  • Venue:
  • Computers in Human Behavior
  • Year:
  • 2011

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Abstract

The growth and popularity of online social networks has created a new world of collaboration and communication. More than a billion individuals around the world are connected and networked together to create, collaborate, and contribute their knowledge and wisdom. Despite the importance of online social networks, there is relatively little theory-driven empirical research available to address this new type of communication and interaction phenomena. In this paper, we explored the factors that drive students to use online social networks (e.g., Facebook). Specifically, we conceptualized the use of online social networks as intentional social action and we examined the relative impact of social influence, social presence, and the five key values from the uses and gratification paradigm on We-Intention to use online social networks. An empirical study of Facebook users (n=182) revealed that We-Intention to use online social networks is strongly determined by social presence. Among the five values, social related factors had the most significant impact on the intention to use. Implications for research and practice are discussed.