Motives and Patterns of University Students Use of Social Media Networks (Sociological Study on University of Jordan Students)

Abstract

This study primarily aims to study and analyze use of social media networks by University of Jordan (UJ) students and the role these networks play in formulating students' values. To achieve this objective, the study was based on the descriptive analytical method. The study sample consisted of 500 male and female students who are social media networks users. Sample members of the were chosen selectively (Purposive Sampling). The researchers used SPSS software to analyze data based on a number of statistical tests, such as: T-test and Pearson correlation coefficient. The study came up with several results, most importantly: UJ students use social media networks more than three hours daily (62.4%). (68.4%) of them use those web websites seeking friendship and they are keen to use their real names to communicate with others. Results also indicated that the most important motive for UJ students use of social media networks is to get introduced to the opinions of others on various issues in their communities. The results also indicated that UJ students estimate a high impact of social media networks on formulating positive values. On the other hand, their estimates of social media networks contribution in formulating negative values were of medium impact. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences at significance level of (α= 0.05) in JU students estimates on the role of social media networks in formulating positive values. These differences were in favor of females. On the other hand, The results showed that there were statistically significant differences at significance level of (α= 0.05) in JU students estimates on the role of social media networks in formulating negative values. These differences were in favor of males. Based on the previous results, the study came up with a number of recommendations related to the study results.