International Journal Advances in Social Science and Humanities
Available online at: www.ijassh.com
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Use of Social Networking Sites by the Faculty Members of State
University of India: A Study of Doon University
Nigam Karnika*
,Singh MP
Department of Library & Information Science, BBAU, Lucknow, U.P., India.
*Corresponding Author: E mail:[email protected]
Abstract
Research Problem: The present study revealed about the use of social networking sites by the faculty members of State University of India. Doon University has been taken for the study, which is situated at Shivalik range of Uttarakhand. Methodology Applied: A closed questionnaire method was applied for the study. 42 questionnaires were distributed amongst faculty members of Doon University and only 28 respondents replied. One faculty member is not using social networking sites. Results/conclusions: It is observed that majority of the faculty members of Doon University (DU) from all disciplines are aware of the SNSs and have accounts on them. 70.37% % faculties accessed Whats App through their Mobile Phones. 77.78% faculties accessed SNS through Desktop for accessing other social networking sites. 88.88% faculty members of DU are sharing information or knowledge through SNS. 62.97% faculty members of DU believed that SNS is used for staying up to date with community news. 40.74% faculties of DU used it once in a day and 59.25% members of DU are using it more than four years. 55.56% faculty members believed that SNS is reliable. 59.25% faculty members of DU are satisfied with SNS. Recommendations: Library of Doon University should use these social networking sites in promoting their services amongst faculty members.
Keywords: Social networking Site, Facebook, WatsApp, Shivalik, University, Uttrarkhand.
Introduction
Social Network is social structure made up of individuals (or organizations) called “nodes”, which are tied (connected) by one or more specific types of interdependency, such as friendship, kinship, common interest, financial exchange, likes/dislikes, or relationships of beliefs, knowledge or prestige [1].
According to Boyd and Ellison [2] “Social networking sites, or SNS are web-based services that allow individuals to (1) construct a public or semi-public profile within a bounded system, (2) articulate a list of other users with whom they share a connections, and (3) view and traverse their list of connections and those made by others within the system”. SNS began with SixDegrees.com, launched in 1997, and “allowed users to create profiles, list their Friends and, beginning in 1998, surf the Friends lists”
The Doon University, located in the lush green foothills of Shivalik, is dedicated to promoting
excellence in teaching and research while offering a full range of multi-disciplinary academic programmes at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level. A unitary and residential university located on the outskirt of the city, it has a scenic campus with a state-of-art infrastructure, stunning architecture and a soothing environment.
first academic session in August 2009 and has stood up to the challenges during such a relatively short period of time [3].
Literature Review
Mahajan, Singh & Kumar [4] in their study they revealed that majority of the respondents were found to be aware and making use of social networking sites applications in their research work. Zanamwe, Rupere & DUfandirimbwa [5] in their study suggested that the majority of learners were mainly using Facebook and MySpace and social networking technologies for academic purposes and more specifically to conduct group work. Chakraborty [6] explored that most of the researchers from social science background used SNSs for education and research point of view and scholars from pure science think that Social Networking sites has no role on research and education. Parveen [7] in her study revealed that majority of the respondents were using Facebook followed by Twitter, Linkdeln, Or DUt and Yahoo. Her study reveals that 52% of respondents were agreeing that Facebook works as a platform to avoid barriers of location and nationality.
In their study Singh & Gill [8] revealed that majority of the respondents were found to be aware and making use of such applications in their research affairs. Study they revealed that use and sharing of knowledge on internet was made integral part of our daily life. Mahajan [9] in her study explored the usage, impact and problems related to social networking sites and their impact on the social and cultural values of India. Trubitt & Overholtzer [10] indicates that social networks of the electronic variety have become thoroughly embedded in contemporary culture. People have woven these networks into their daily routines, using Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, online gaming environments, and other tools to build and maintain complex webs of professional and personal relationships [11].
Scope and Limitation of the Study
The present study is confined only with the use of social networking sites for information communication by faculty members in State Universities of Uttarakhand who are performing their teaching and research work in different disciplines. For this Doon University, Dehradun has been chosen for said research work.
Statement of the Problem
The Social Networking Site plays a predominant role in exchanging information from one to others.
Even if it works on internet platform it is most dependable and secret site which does not allow others to encroach upon the literatures of others unless the user is register. The faculty members of the universities under study make the best use of social networking site to share their information and communication. It creates online scholarly communities, research and teaching in real time, 24/7 collaborative networks, locating scholarly papers of interest online, tracking references with social media tools, Tweeting in and out of the classroom.
Objectives of the Study
The following objectives of the study are:
To find out the use of social networking sites by the faculty members.
To explore the purpose of using social networking sites.
To find out the frequency and duration of using social networking sites.
To find out the information reliability of SNS. To know the problems being faced by the faculty
members while using social networking sites. To find out the impact of SNS on faculty
members life in state universities of Uttarakhand.
Hypotheses
On the basis of the literature review and objectives of the proposed study following hypothesis were formulated:
H1: Social Networking Sites are mostly used by faculty members of state universities in Uttarakhand
H2: Facebook is the most used Social Networking Sites for information communication by faculty members.
H3:Social Networking Sites used by faculty members mainly with the purpose to getting updated information and connecting with other professional members.
H4: Social networking sites are helpful for educational advancement but some of the information available on Social Networking Sites is not reliable.
Research Methodology
back after filling by the faculties of Doon University.
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Gender Wise Distribution
Table1 shows that 59.26 % male and 40.74% female faculty members of Doon University were give responses of the questionnaire. One faculty member is not using social networking sites. Thus data is analyzed on only 27 faculty members of Doon University.
Table 1: Gender wise distribution of respondents Sex Number Respondents Percentage
Male 17 60.71
Female 11 39.29
Total 28 100
Commonly Use Social Networking Sites (SNS)
Table 2 shows that faculty members of Doon University 19 (70.37%) are using WhatsApp, 18 (66.67%) are using Facebook, 17 (62.96%) are using You Tube, 10 (37.04%) are using You Google Plus, and 5 (18.52%) are using Twitter.
Table 2: Commonly Use SNS
Name of SNS
Respondents
Number Percentage
Facebook 18
66.67
YouTube 17 62.96
Twitter 05 18.52
Myspace 02 7.41
Google Plus 10 37.04
WhatsApp 19 70.37
Any others 00 00.00
Tool for Accessing SNS
Table 3 shows that faculty members of Doon University 21 (77.78%) are using social networking sites from Laptop, 19 (70.37%) are using from Mobile Phones. However, they are using SNS less 11.11% from I-Pad and Tablet.
Table 3: Tools for Accessing SNS by respondents Tool Desktop Laptop I-Pad Mobile Tablet
Number of Respondents 21 19 03 16 03
Percentage 77.78 70.37 11.11 59.26 11.11
Place of Using SNS
Table 4 shows that faculty members of Doon University 21 (81.48%) are using social networking sites at Home, 14 (51.85%) are using it from Departments, 3 (11.11%) are using it from Cyber Cafe.
Table 4: Place of using SNS by respondents Place Department Cyber
Café Computer Centre Home others Any
Numbers of Respondents 14 03 00 22 00
Percentage 51.85 11.11 00.00 81.48 00.00
Awareness about SNS
Table 5 shows that faculty members of Doon University19 (70.37%) are aware about social networking sites from Internet, 18 (66.67%) knows it from Friends, 09 (33.33%) knows it from Newspaper/Magazines and 08 (29.62%) knows it from Colleagues.
Table 5: Awareness about SNS by respondents Place Internet Friends
Colleagues Newspaper/Magazines others Any
Numbers of Respondents 19 18 08 09 00
Percentage 70.37 66.67 29.62 33.33 00.00
Purpose of Using SNS
Table 6 shows that purpose of respondents of using SNS 24 (88.88%) are sharing information or knowledge, 13 (48.15%) are using for communication of research output, 12 (44.44%) are using for entertainment, 11 (40.74%) are using for making friends, , 10 (37.04%) are using for creating awareness on new product, and 5 (15.52%) are using for published research work faster.
Table 6: Purpose of using SNS by respondents Purpose of SNS Number of
Respondents Percentage Sharing information or Knowledge 24 88.88 Communication of Research output 13 48.15 Creating awareness on new product 10 37.04
Making Friends 11 40.74
For Entertainment 12 44.44
Published research work faster 05 18.52
Reason for Using SNS
Table 7 shows that respondents’ reasons of using SNS 17 (62.97%) are using it for staying up to date with community news, 12 (44.44%) thoughts that it is relevant, active and interesting community, 10 (37.04%) using it for linking up with professionals, 9 (33.33%) used it for gaining valuable ideas
Table 7: Reason for using SNS by respondents Reason of SNS Number of
Respondents Percentage It is relevant, active and interesting community. 12 44.44 Stay up to date with community news 17 62.97
Linking up with professionals 10 37.04
To gain valuable ideas 09 33.33
Frequency of Login to SNS
Table 8 shows that respondents’ frequency of Login to open SNS. 11 (40.74%) use it once a day, 9 (33.33%) used it several times a day, 4 (5.71%) used it once in a week and 1 (3.70%) used it occasionally as well as used it once in a few days.
Table 8: Frequency of Login to SNS Frequency of Login Number of
Respondents Percentage
Several times a day 09 33.33
Occasionally 01 3.70
Once a day 11 40.74
Once in a week 04 5.71
Period of Using SNS
Table 9 shows that respondents’ periodicity of using SNS. 16 (59.25%) are using it from more than 4 years, 8 (29.63%) are using it between 2-4 years, 3 (7.41%) are using it from less than 1 year.
Table 9: Periodicity of SNS
Periodicity of using SNS Number of Respondents Percentage
Less than 1 year 03 7.41
2-4 years 08 29.63
1-2 years 00 00.00
More than 4 years 16 59.25
Reliability of SNS
Table 10 shows the status of reliability of SNS. 15 (55.56%) respondents are believed in its reliability, 10 (37.04%) respondents are not sure about its reliability and 2 (7.40%) respondents thought that SNS is not reliable.
Table 10: Reliability of SNS
Reliability of using SNS Number of
Respondents Percentage
Yes 15 55.56
No 2 7.40
Not Sure 10 37.04
Advantages of Using SNS
Table 11 shows the advantages of SNS. 20 (74.04%) respondents are using it for staying up-to-date with community news, 14 (51.85%) respondents are using SNS for communication of research output as well as for networking also, 12 (44.44%) are using it for entertainment and 6 (22.22%) are using SNS for Entertainment.
Table 11: Advantages of SNS
Advantages of using SNS Number of
Respondents Percentage Stay up to date with community news 20 74.04
Communication of Research output 14 51.85
Sharing Video 6 22.22
Entertainment 12 44.44
Networking 14 51.85
Disadvantages of Using SNS
Table 12 shows the disadvantages of SNS. 15 (55.55%) respondents believed that SNS have possibility of fraud, 10 (37.03%) believed that SNS have lack of privacy, 7 (25.93%) respondents believed that it is waste of time, 6 (22.22%) respondents believed that it is very distracting and 4 (14.81%) respondents believed that it’s enhance mental stress.
Table 12: Disadvantages of SNS Disadvantages of using SNS Number of
Respondents Percentage
Waste of Time 07 25.93
Very Distracting 06 22.22
Mental Stress 04 14.81
Lack of Privacy 10 37.03
Possibility of Fraud 15 55.55
Impact of SNS
Table 13 shows the impact of SNSs on faculty members of Doon University. 16 (59.25%) respondents believed that SNSs have a little impact on their lives, 9 (33.33%) respondents believed that it have vast impact, 2 (7.41%) believed that SNSs have no impact.
Table 13: Impact of SNS
Impact of using SNS Number of
Respondents Percentage
Vast 09 33.33
A little 16 59.25
No impact 02 7.41
No response 00 00.00
Helpfulness of SNS
Table 14 shows the helpfulness of SNSs on respondents. 18 (66.67%) respondents believed that SNS exposed to latest technology, 14 (51.85%) believed that it helped greatly in disseminating information among groups, 4 (14.81%) respondents believed that it publish research work faster as well as gained more visibility in their research areas.
Table 14: Helpfulness of SNS
Helpfulness of SNS Number of
Respondents Percentage
Exposed to latest knowledge 18 66.67
Gained more visibility in my area(s) of research 04 14.81 It has helped greatly in disseminating
information among groups 14 51.85
Published research work faster 04 14.81
Satisfaction Level of SNS
Table 15 shows the satisfaction level of SNSs on respondents. 64 (56.14%) respondents are satisfied with SNSs, 29 (25.44%) respondents partially satisfied with it, 12 (10.53%) are highly satisfied and 4 (3.51%) are not satisfied with it.
Table 15: Satisfaction level of SNS
Satisfaction Level of SNS Number of Respondents Percentage
Highly Satisfied 03 11.11
Satisfied 16 59.25
Partially satisfied 08 29.63
Not Satisfied 00 00.00
Findings
It is observed that majority of the faculty members of Doon University (DU) from all disciplines are aware of the SNSs and have accounts on them.
WhatsApp is the most popular site. 70.37% faculties accessed WhatsApp in DU followed by 66.67% Facebook, 62.96% You Tube and 37.04% Google Plus.
accessed SNS through Desktop followed by 70.37% by Laptop and 59.26% by Moible Phones. Mostly faculties (81.48%) are using SNS from their home followed by 51.85% from Departments and very few use it from cyber cafe (11.11).
70.37% faculty members of DU aware about SNS through internet followed by 66.67% from friends, 33.33 % from Newspaper/Magazines and 29.62% from colleagues.
88.88% faculty members of DU are sharing information or knowledge through SNS followed by 48.15% communication of research output, 44.44% entertainment and 40.74% making friend, 37.04% creating awareness about new products and 18.52% publish research work faster.
62.97% faculty members of DU believed that SNS is used for are using it for staying up to date with community news, 44.44% believed that it is relevant, active and interesting community, 37.04% used it for linking up with professionals. However, 33.33% used it for gaining valuable ideas.
40.74% faculties of DU used it once in a day, 33.33% used it several times a day, 5.71 used it once in a week and 3.70% used it occasionally. Mostly faculties (59.25%) member of DU are
using it more than four years and 29.63% are using it 2-4 years and very few are using it less than one year.
55.56% faculty members believed that SNS is reliable, 37.04% faculties of DU are not sure about its reliability and 7.40% believed that SNS is not reliable.
Mostly (74.04%) faculty members of DU are using it for stay up to date with community news, 51.85% are using it for communication of
research output as well as for networking and 44.44% are using it for networking.
55.55% faculty members of DU believed that SNS have possibility of fraud, 37.03% felt that it have lack of privacy and 25.93% felt that it is waste of time.
59.25% faculty members of DU believed that SNSs have a little impact on their lives and 33.33% have vast impact followed by 7.41% no impact.
Mostly faculty members (66.67%) of DU believed that SNS exposed to latest technology, followed by 51.85% help greatly in disseminating information among groups and 14.81% believed that it is helpful in publish research work faster as well as gained more visibility in their research areas.
The majority of faculty members (59.25%) of DU are satisfied with SNS.
The findings of the current study supports and prove hypotheses:
Hypothesis Proved
H1: Social Networking Sites are
mostly used by faculty members of state universities in Uttarakhand
96.43% are
using SNS.
H2: Facebook is the most used
Social Networking Sites for
information communication by
faculty members
70.37% used
WhatsApp,
Hence H2
disproved
H3: Social Networking Sites used
by faculty members mainly with the purpose to getting updated information and connecting with other professional members.
62.97% agreed with it
H4: Social networking sites are
helpful for educational
advancement but some of the information available on Social Networking Sites is not reliable.
66.67% agreed with it
Conclusion
University. They are sharing their research activities and other communication through SNSs. Therefore the librarian of Doon University
shall use this platform to interact and market their product amongst faculty members, students and research scholars.
References
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