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IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES ON THE STUDENTS: A CASE STUDY OF

CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF JAMMU

Article · February 2017

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 FEBRUARY 2017, VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1

Impact of social networking sites on the

students: a case study of Central University of
Jammu

IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES ON THE STUDENTS: A

CASE STUDY OF CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF JAMMU

Romesh Chander
Assistant Librarian, Central Library,Central University Of Jammu,

Main Campus Bagla (Rahya-Suchani), District Samba - 181143

Dr. Kunwar Singh

Assistant Professor Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi

ABSTRACT:​The purpose of this research study is to identify the impact of social networking sites on
students: A case study of Central University of Jammu. Questionnaire was designed to find out impact of
social networking sites on students. Variable identified are age, gender, education, social influence and
academic performance. 200 questionnaires were randomly distributed among the students of Central
University of Jammu. 187(93.5%) responses were collected and analyzed for the study. The findings
revealed that majority of respondents were Female 113(60.43%) while, 161(86.10%) respondents were
postgraduate. It is also found that majority of students 163(22.64%) were having Facebook account and
maximum number 98(18.49%) of students use social networking sites for communication with friends.

Keywords:​ Social Networking, Students, Central University of Jammu

INTRODUCTION

Technological developments have made the web an inventive way for people and families to
communicate their feelings and emotions with their friends through these means. Social network systems
have made a phenomenon on the internet that has gained popularity over the last decade. People use
social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace to create and sustain relationships with
others (Boyd& Ellison, 2007). Likewise, Kuppuswamy & Shankar (2010) expressed that social network
websites grab attention of the students and then diverts it towards on-educational and inappropriate
activities containing unusable discussion. On the basis of the above statement we can say that social

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 FEBRUARY 2017, VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1

Impact of social networking sites on the

students: a case study of Central University of
Jammu

networking sites may badly affect the academic life and learning experiences of the student. Whereas on
the other hand, Liccardi et. al., (2007) examined that the students are socially connected with each other
for sharing their daily learning experiences and do conversation on several topics. According to (Urista et
al., 2009) indicated social media sites empower users to take an active role in their own socialization
process and in constructing their own self-identity.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The Central University of Jammu was established on August 08, 2011, by the Central Universities Act,
2009 (Act No.25 of 2009 read with the Central Universities Act, 2009).The first academic session
(2011-2012) was started with three Post Graduate courses in English, Economics and Applied
Mathematics at Temporary Academic Block-I (TAB-I) at Sidhra bypass road, Jammu. In the next
academic session (2012-2013), five new PG Courses were added: Computer Science, Educational Studies,
Environmental Sciences, Human Resource Management and Travel & Tourism Management in
Temporary Academic Block (TAB-II) at Sainik Colony Extension. Since the third session (2013-2014) all
the departments are functioning from TAB at Sainik Colony. Four new post graduate courses were
introduced in the academic session (2014-2015): National Security Studies; Public Policy & Public
Administration; Social Work and Mass Communication & New Media. At present the University also
offers Integrated M.Phil &Ph.D. programme in eight subjects. The University carries out its
administrative functions from its head office at Bagla, Rahya-Suchani, District-Samba. The Central
University of Jammu campus is under construction at Village Bagla, Raya Suchani in District Samba,
which is at an approximate 25 kms from Jammu (Central University Jammu, website).

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Sponcil & Gitimu (2013) studied the use of social media by University students and how it affects
communication with others, and University students' self-concept. The findings indicated that all of the
sampled University students were using at least one form of social networking website. The authors have
suggested that the implications for future research on why these social networking sites have gained

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Impact of social networking sites on the

students: a case study of Central University of
Jammu

popularity. Thoene (2012) examined the effect of social media, particularly Facebook and Twitter, on the
purchasing habits of University students by testing for correlations between recommendations on social
media and consumption patterns. Findings revealed that both Facebook and Twitter are being used to
obtain sales information and promotions. Moreover, it has been noticed that gender has an impact on both
social networking sites. Additionally, this study found the higher the frequency of social media usage the
more likely customers are to shop at the businesses they have befriended. Wang & Others (2011) noted
that social media sites continue to grow in popularity; it is our premise that technology is a vital part in
today’s student success equation. The results of the survey questionnaire indicate that 45% of the sample
admitted that they spent 6-8 hours per day checking social media sites, while 23% spent more than 8
hours; 20% spent 2-4 hours and only 12% spent less than 2 hours on this task. The finding of the study
indicate despite the fact most University students use social media and spend many hours checking social
media sites, there was a negative aspect to University students’ use of social media. On the contrary,
Trusov & Others (2009) illustrated that the Internet is no doubt evolution of technology but specifically
social networks are extremely unsafe for teenagers, social networks become hugely common and
well-known in past few years. As well, Cain (2009) stated that although social network websites can be
practiced for good determinations but it is usually used for involvement of digital snapshots and
information, exposing securities, and conducting online conversations because many other communities
inside social networking websites motivate user for this kind of inappropriate actions. Sheldon (2008)
explained that there are many reasons for young adults to join social networking websites as they try to
communicate within their social system. The foremost reason was reported to maintain relationships with
existing acquaintances that were already part of their social network. Ellison & others (2007) stated that
the students use social networking websites roughly 30 minutes throughout the day as a part of their daily
routine life. This statement indicates the importance of social networking websites in students’ life.

OBJECTIVES

● To identify the impact of social networking sites on students

● To find out frequency of usage of social networking sites by the students
● To find out purpose of using social networking sites
● To identify how many social networking account used by individual

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Impact of social networking sites on the

students: a case study of Central University of
Jammu

● To find out benefits and ​dangers​ of using social networking sites

METHODOLOGY

In this study researchers have collected data from the primary and secondary sources. A survey method
was adopted for this research study. A set of questionnaires consisting of six questions were designed and
distributed randomly among the 200 students of the Central University of Jammu during the academic
hours. This university was chosen because it is one of the central funded institutes’ in the valley and
where different range of cultures and religions which might impersonate the multiplicity of social
networking sites. Though, this is only a pilot study which is intended to test the instrument and also to
collect preliminary results for drawing effective conclusion in the concrete study that will be conducted
very soon in other Universities.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 1 Demographic Profile of Respondents

Variable Response %
21-25 146 78.08
26-30 41 21.92
Total 187 100
Male 74 39.57
Sex Female 113 60.43
Total 187 100
Post Graduate 161 86.10
Academic M.Phil. 17 9.09
Rank PhD. 9 4.81
Total 187 100

Table.1 shows that the demographic profiles of the respondents. The responses illustrate that the age
ranges between 21-25 age group 146(78.08%) followed by 26-30 age group 41(21.92%). Whereas,
Female 113(60.43%) and male 74(39.57%). Academic rank wise distribution of responses showed that
post graduate 161(86.10%) followed by M.Phil. 17(9.09%) and PhD. 9(4.81%). It is infer that maximum

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 FEBRUARY 2017, VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1

Impact of social networking sites on the

students: a case study of Central University of
Jammu

age ranges of respondents between 21-25 age group 146(78.08%) followed by 26-30 age group
41(21.92%). While majority of respondents were Female 113(60.43%) and male 74(39.57%). Moreover,
Academic rank of participants showed majority of students are from post graduate 161(86.10%) followed
by others.

Social networking sites usage Frequency

Table.2 Frequency of Use of Social Networking Sites

Sl. No. Usage Response %

1 Regularly 91 48.66
2 Twice a day 39 20.86
3 Weekly 21 11.23
4 Monthly 26 13.90
5 Never 10 5.35
Total 187 100
Table.2 show that the responses and percentage of social networking sites by the students. Majority of
students confirmed that they use social networking sites regularly 91(48.66%).In contrast, twice a day
39(20.86%) followed by monthly 26(13.90%), weekly 21(11.23%) and never 10(5.35%). It is clear from
the above results that maximum students use social networking sites regularly 91(48.66%) followed by
others.

Types of SNS Accounts

Table.3 Types of social networking accounts

Sl. No. Type of Account Response %

1 Facebook 163 22.64
2 Twitter 97 13.47
3 LinkedIn 91 12.64
4 Google+ 71 9.86
5 Pinterest 55 7.64
6 Instagram 10 1.39
7 Flickr 19 2.64
8 Reddit 9 1.25
9 WhatsApp 156 21.67

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Impact of social networking sites on the

students: a case study of Central University of
Jammu

10 Quora 33 4.58
11 Live journal 16 2.22
Total 720 100
Table.3 shows above types of social networking accounts and their percentages. Since question was asked
to state how many types of social networking account you use, that was the reason response rate increased
more than (N=187). The findingsdemonstrated that majority of students have facebook account
163(22.64%) followed by WhatsApp 156(21.67%), Twitter 97(13.47%) and LinkedIn 91(12.64%).
Whereas, Google+ 71(9.86%), Pinterest 55(7.64%), Quora 33(4.58%), Flickr 19(2.64%), Live journal
16(2.22%), Instagram 10(1.39%) and Reddit 9(1.25%). From the above finding it is clear that majority of
students were having facebook 163(22.64%) followed by WhatsApp 156(21.67%), Twitter 97(13.47%)
and LinkedIn 91(12.64%) accounts.

Purpose of using SNS

Table.4 Purpose of using social networking sites

Sl. No. Purpose Response %

1 Communication with friends 98 18.49
2 Online learning 87 16.42
3 Searching of information 67 12.64
4 Socialization 28 5.28
5 Professional use 28 5.28
6 Group discussion 39 7.36
7 Watching videos on topics 49 9.25
8 Connecting with subject experts 76 14.34
9 Private messaging 19 3.58
10 Sharing experience & expertise 39 7.36
Total 530 100

Table.4 shows that purpose of using social networking sites and their response and percentage. It is
confirmed from the above study that Communication with friends 98(18.49%) followed by Online
learning 87(16.42%), Connecting with subject experts 76(14.34%) and Searching of information

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Impact of social networking sites on the

students: a case study of Central University of
Jammu

67(12.64%). Whereas, watching videos on topics 49(9.25%) followed by Sharing experience & expertise
and Group discussion 39 (7.36%), Professional use and Socialization 28(5.28%) and Private messaging
19(3.58%). The findings revealed that maximum number of students use social networking sites
Communication with friends 98(18.49%) followed by Online learning 87(16.42%), Connecting with
subject experts 76(14.34%).

Educational use of SNS

Table.5 Educational use of social networking sites

Sl. No. Education benefits Response %

1 Virtual searching co-research scholars 76 17.92
2 Self-learning 88 20.75
3 Research and learning 71 16.75
4 Collaborative peer to-peer learning 66 15.57
5 Personality development 56 13.21
6 Expression of own ideas 67 15.80
Total 424 100

Table.5 shows that educational use social networking sites and their response and percentage. The
findings of respondents revealed that Self-learning 88(20.75%) followed by Virtual searching co-research
scholars 76(17.92%), Research and learning 71(16.75%) whereas, Expression of own ideas 67(15.80%),
Collaborative peer to-peer learning 66(15.57%) and Personality development 56(13.21%). The result
shows educational use of social networking sites are Self-learning 88(20.75%) followed by Virtual
searching/Co-research scholars 76(17.92%), Research and learning 71(16.75%).

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Impact of social networking sites on the

students: a case study of Central University of
Jammu

Dangers to Share Personal information

Table.6 Dangers to share information

Sl. No. Dangers Response %

1 Cyber crime 83 22.49
2 Lose of Personal 77 20.87
Information
3 Interruption in Study 30 8.13
4 Financial loss 10 2.71
5 Internet addiction 12 3.25
6 Bad impact on society 1 0.27
7 Illegal activities 49 13.28
8 Lack of privacy 54 14.63
9 Child abuse 38 10.30
10 Waste of time 15 4.07
Total 369 100

Table.6 shows that dangers to share information through social networking sites and their response and
percentage. It is found from the above result that Cyber crime 83(22.49%) followed by Lose of Personal
Information 77(20.87%) and Lack of privacy 54(14.63%) whereas, Illegal activities 49(13.28%), Child
abuse 38(10.30%), Interruption in Study 30(8.13%) and Waste of time 15(4.07%). It is conclude from the
result that dangers to share information Cybercrime 83(22.49%) followed by Loss of Personal
Information 77(20.87%) and Lack of privacy 54(14.63%).

MAJOR FINDINGS

● It is concluded that maximum age ranges of respondents between 21-25 age group 146(78.02%)
followed by 26-30 age group 41(21.92%). Whereas, majority of respondents were Female
113(60.43%) and male 74(39.57%). Besides, Academic rank of participants showed majority of
students are from post graduate 161(86.10%) followed by others.
● It is clear from the above results that maximum students use social networking sites regularly

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 FEBRUARY 2017, VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1

Impact of social networking sites on the

students: a case study of Central University of
Jammu

91(48.66%) followed by others.

● From the above finding it is clear that majority of students were having facebook 163(22.64%)
followed by WhatsApp 156(21.67%), Twitter 97(13.47%) and LinkedIn 91(12.64%) accounts.
● The findings revealed that maximum number of students use social networking sites
Communication with friends 98(18.49%) followed by Online learning 87(16.42%), Connecting
with subject experts 76(14.34%).
● The result shows educational use of social networking sites are Self-learning 88(20.75%)
followed by Virtual searching/Co-research scholars 76(17.92%), Research and learning
71(16.75%).
● It is conclude from the result that dangers to share information Cybercrime 83(22.49%) followed
by Loss of Personal Information 77(20.87%) and Lack of privacy 54(14.63%).

CONCLUSION

Social networking sites are becoming more popular day by day and have become part of daily life for an
increasing number of individuals. Social networking sites are attractive, it not only provides the students
another world to make friends, also provides a good way to release pressure. As per respondents’
expression, it absolutely affects the life of University students including their performance. Furthermore,
the study concludes that social networking websites have both positive as well as negative impact on the
students, it depends on one’s interest to use it in a positive manner for his or her education and vice versa.
The result of the study revealed that maximum number of students use social networking sites for
communication with friends, online learning and connecting with subject experts. Furthermore, study
revealed educational use of social networking sites are self-learning, virtual searching/co-research
scholars and research and learning. On the contrary, they have articulated the dangers of social
networking sites to share information cyber crime, loss of personal information and Lack of privacy.

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FEBRUARY 2017, VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1

Impact of social networking sites on the

students: a case study of Central University of
Jammu

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te

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