The Social Media Affinity Scale: Implications for Education

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Social Media Affinity Scale: Implications for Education
Language: English
Authors: Gerlich, R. Nicholas, Browning, Leigh, Westermann, Lori
Source: Contemporary Issues in Education Research. Nov 2010 3(11):35-42.
Availability: Clute Institute. 6901 South Pierce Street Suite 239, Littleton, CO 80128. Tel: 303-904-4750; Fax: 303-978-0413; e-mail: Staff@CluteInstitute.com; Web site: http://www.cluteinstitute.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 8
Publication Date: 2010
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Social Networks, Internet, Student Surveys, Student Attitudes, Computer Uses in Education, Gender Differences, Undergraduate Students, Likert Scales, Pretests Posttests, Factor Analysis, Statistical Analysis
ISSN: 1940-5847
Abstract: In recent years, males and females have demonstrated fairly equal amounts of internet usage, but females have demonstrated higher usage of social media sites. These observed differences served as the impetus for the current study. A survey was conducted in early 2010 among college students to assess whether differences still occur between males and females, and specifically with regard to social media usage. In order to assess these phenomena, the Social Media Affinity Scale was created and deployed. Results of the study showed that, among the students surveyed, no significant differences exist between males and females in their internet usage, social media usage, and also beliefs about social media sites in general. Given that students have overwhelmingly adopted social media, we propose that there is now an opportunity to leverage social media in college courses to deliver content and engage students in ways not previously possible. A bibliography is included.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2015
Accession Number: EJ1072671
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:In recent years, males and females have demonstrated fairly equal amounts of internet usage, but females have demonstrated higher usage of social media sites. These observed differences served as the impetus for the current study. A survey was conducted in early 2010 among college students to assess whether differences still occur between males and females, and specifically with regard to social media usage. In order to assess these phenomena, the Social Media Affinity Scale was created and deployed. Results of the study showed that, among the students surveyed, no significant differences exist between males and females in their internet usage, social media usage, and also beliefs about social media sites in general. Given that students have overwhelmingly adopted social media, we propose that there is now an opportunity to leverage social media in college courses to deliver content and engage students in ways not previously possible. A bibliography is included.
ISSN:1940-5847