11 Chapter V

CHAPTER V
FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION
The final chapter of the research report explains the results of

the research study undertaken. This is followed by appropriate
suggestions and the future scope for continuation of research in the
existing topic is also enumerated.
Students studying in the arts and science colleges in the

district of Madurai city have expressed their views regarding the
usage of social media. The students’ wellbeing was also discussed.
Questionnaire was distributed to college students to record the
responses. The data collected through the questionnaire were
examined and analysed in the previous chapter.
In this chapter, the key findings of the result are discussed.

The conclusion of the research is also explored. Based on the
findings, suggestions have been proposed for a better understanding on
the usage of social media and the associated students’ wellbeing.
5.1 Background of the study
Higher Educational Sector is of high importance as it predicts

the future of the younger generation. This paves the way for the
development of country’s economy. Besides this, the information
technology influences every individual in all walks of life, particularly
it is more influential among the youngsters.
The use of social media has become an integral part of student

community for educational use as well as for entertainment. It is in
the degree and selection of usage of social media that spells the
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influence that it creates either positive or negative. Hence it becomes
a social responsibility to understand the influence it creates. This is
the motivation in undertaking the study. This research study was an
attempt to understand the interrelationship between the usage of
social media by the students and the wellbeing of the students due
to the usage of social media.
The study attempted to answer the following questions
• Is there an underlying multi-factor structure to the concepts-

time management, nature of usage, friends and people
connection, security issues, behavioural outcomes,
performance, physical wellbeing?
• What is the relationship between time management, nature of

usage, friends and people connection, security issues,
behavioural outcomes, performance, physical wellbeing?
• What is the predictability of usage of social media in students

physical wellbeing.
• What are the differences in usage of social media and its

dimensions among the college students that may be attributed
to socio-demographic and students’ wellbeing-related factors?
• What is the association between the socio-demographic factors

of the college students and the variables such as time
management, nature of usage, friends and people connection,
security issues, behavioural outcomes, performance, physical
wellbeing?
• Is it possible to evolve a model involving the variables such as

time management, nature of usage, friends and people
connection, security issues, behavioural outcomes,
performance, physical wellbeing?
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The aim of the study is to understand the interplay between
the various dimensions of usage of social media by the college
students and the wellbeing of students due to the usage of social
media. This can be achieved by find answers to the above research
questions.
1. To find factor structures to the concepts-time management,

nature of usage, friends and people connection, security
issues, behavioural outcomes, performance, physical wellbeing
2. To analyse the relationship between time management, nature

of usage, friends and people connection, security issues,
behavioural outcomes, performance, physical wellbeing.
3. To examine the predictability of usage of social media in

students physical wellbeing.
4. To understand the differences in usage of social media and its

dimensions among the college students that may be attributed
to socio-demographic and students’ wellbeing-related factors.
5. To understand the association between the socio-demographic

factors of the college students and the variables such astime
wellbeing.
6. To evolve a model involving the variables such as time

wellbeing.
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This study adopted descriptive correlational survey method to
achieve the research objectives. In this research study the unit of
analysis for the study are individuals (college students). Data for the
study was collected from primary source (college students). The
information from secondary sources was a strong foundation in the
construction of the questionnaire as well as the development of
theoretical model. The questionnaire has two parts: Demographic
profile of respondents, Dimensions of Usage of Social Media and
Dimensions of Students Physical Wellbeing.
Pre Test was conducted, the questionnaire was circulated

among 20 persons, the feedback from them helped to structure the
questionnaire in a better way.
The data collection was done from the college students fulfilling
the criteria for the study. The sample size determined was 387. But
due to the responses and interest shown by many students, data was
collected from 486 students. The collected data was summarised,
edited, coded and analysed using SPSS software. The reliability
analysis using Cronbach Alpha indicated that the statements
measuring the dimensions of independent and dependent variables
were worth retaining. The data was analysed using statistical tools
such as percentage analysis, mean and standard deviation, one
sample t-test, independent sample t-test, analysis of variance,
correlation analysis, regression analysis, cross tabulation, Chi-
Square test, confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation
modelling, analysis of moment structure. The analysis was performed
by using SPSS software.
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5.2 Results of the study
The result of the analysis done is explained in the following order:
• Distribution of respondents based on the demographic profile

• Factor Structure of the dependent and independent variables
• Relationship between variables using the measuring scale
• Significance of difference in opinion between respondents of
two-categorical variables regarding independent and
dependent variables
• Significance of difference in opinion between respondents of
more than two-categorical variables regarding independent
and dependent variables
• Interrelationship between variables
• Predictor variables
• Crosstabulation of level of dependent variables and the
demographics of respondents
• Association between demographics of respondents and
variables
• Structural Equation Modeling
• Model fit Summary
5.3 Summary of findings
5.3.1 PROFILE OF RESPONDENTS
• Male and female students have contributed to this study to

nearly a closer percentage (53.1 & 46.9 respectively).
• Most of the respondents (41.2%) are in the science stream of

courses.
• Majority of the college students (53.1%) come to college from

their home.
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• Most of the college students (96.1%) use mobile data as a
source of internet.
• Most of the students (56.8%) studying in the arts and science

colleges in Madurai live in urban areas.
• Majority of the college students (76.5%) live as joint family.
• Most of the college students (84.4%) have less than 4 elder

members in the family.
• Most of the students’ (72.2%) total monthly income of family is

less than Rs. 20000.
• Most of the students (55.3 %) get money from parents for

expenses.
As the sample population is a generalisation of the entire

population of the study, the nearly equal percentage of male and
female college students ensures that the responses are free from bias
and independent of each other.
It is also seen that as majority of the students are from the

science stream of study, the students are aware of the scientific
impact that the usage of social media would create on them. Most of
the college students come from their home and this indicates that
they are utmost under the direct care of their parents and elders at
home. Many students live in urban areas. This is also a main reason
for most of the students using mobile data as the source of internet
ensuring strong network connections. Though majority of the
students live in joint family, the number of elders at home being less
than four indicates that pampering of student is at a minimal level.
Majority of the students belong to middle level income group and the
students get money for expenses from parents that states the
importance of the study to analyse wellbeing by assessing
behavioural outcomes, performance and physical wellbeing.
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5.3.2 CONFIRMATORY FACTOR ANALYSIS
• 9 items were measured under three factors such as time

appropriateness, time duration and frequency of using social
media. The factor structure was confirmed using Confirmatory
factor analysis. The factors were confirmed to a single factor as
time management.
• 12 items were measured under four factors such as listening,

availability of personalised course materials, development of
collaborative skills and motivating learning. The factor
structure was confirmed using Confirmatory factor analysis.
The factors were confirmed to a single factor as nature of
usage.
• 9items were measured under three factors such as enhancing

relationships, self-esteem and building social network. The
factor structure was confirmed using Confirmatory factor
analysis. The factors were confirmed to a single factor as
friends and people connection.
• 9items were measured under three factors such as internet

abuse awareness, cyberbullying and personalised details. The
security issues.
• 9items were measured under three factors such as

interpersonal behavioural outcomes, psychological
behavioural outcomes and parent-child interactions. The
behavioural outcomes.
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• 12 items were measured under four factors such as academic
performance, individual performance, competency mapping
and teamwork. The factor structure was confirmed using
Confirmatory factor analysis. The factors were confirmed to a
single factor as performance.
• 12 items were measured under four factors such as sleep
disturbances, obesity, body postures and eye strain. The factor
structure was confirmed using Confirmatory factor analysis.

The factors were confirmed to a single factor as physical
wellbeing.
The identification and confirmation of the variables as
respective single factors made the study much easier to collect data,
analyse and interpret in to meaningful information.
5.3.3 Testing the Level of Independent Variables and Dependent
Variables
Level of Time Management
• The level of time appropriateness has significant difference in

mean responses. The students are very particular about the
time in using SNS thus maintaining time appropriateness.
• The level of time duration has significant difference in mean

responses. The students are very particular about the time
duration in using SNS thus keen in time duration.
• The level of frequency of using social media has significant
difference in mean responses. The students use the SNS daily.
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LEVEL OF NATURE OF USAGE
• The level of listening has significant difference in mean
responses. The students are very interested in listening to

experts in the SNS.
• The level of availability of personalised course materials has
significant difference in mean responses. The students look in

to the SNS searching for personalised course materials.
• The level of motivating learning has significant difference in

mean responses. The students find the SNS to be a good
motivator for learning aspects.
• The level of development of collaborative skills has significant

difference in mean responses. The students understand that
proper communication is very essential in using SNS and it

supports the development of collaborative skills.
LEVEL OF FRIENDS AND PEOPLE CONNECTION
• The level of enhancing relationships has significant difference

in mean responses. The students are invited by many people
through friend requests in SNS thus enhancing relationships.
• The level of self-esteem has significant difference in mean
responses. The students take a positive attitude toward using
SNS thus enhancing self-esteem.
• The level of building social networks has significant difference
in mean responses. The students have been benefited by
getting connected in the social network through SNS thus

building social networks.
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LEVEL OF SECURITY ISSUES
• The level of internet abuse awareness has significant difference

in mean responses. The students are aware of the
consequences of improper use of social network sites.
• The level of cyberbullying has significant difference in mean

responses. The students are aware of the principles of good
internet use.
• The level of internet abuse awareness has significant difference

in mean responses. The students are sure that the personal
details will confidentially be maintained by SNS.
LEVEL OF BEHAVIOURAL OUTCOMES
• The level of interpersonal behaviour has significant difference

in mean responses. The students approach friends and
classmates when they are unable to handle difficult situations.
• The level of psychological behaviour has significant difference

in mean responses. The students are able to offer guidance and
support to others.
• The level of parent-child interactions has significant difference

in mean responses. The students accept the warning given by
their parents as it is for their goodness thus exhibiting good
parent-child interactions.
LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE
• The level of individual performance has significant difference

in mean responses. The students are able to involve myself in
activities with confidence exhibiting individual performance.
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• The level of academic performance has significant difference in
mean responses. The students feel that SNS supports studies.
• The level of Competency Mapping has significant difference in

mean responses. The students feel that it is easy to be
competent as they use SNS.
• The level of Teamwork has significant difference in mean

responses. The students feel that they had benefitted more
when they discuss with the teams.
LEVEL OF PHYSICAL WELLBEING
• The level of sleep disturbances has significant difference in

mean responses. The students feel that even though they use
SNS they sleep well.
• The level of obesity has significant difference in mean

responses. The students feel that even though they use SNS
they maintain a normal body weight.
• The level of eye strain has significant difference in mean

responses. The students feel that the eyes are mor strained
when they continuously use SNS.
• The level of body postures has significant difference in mean

responses. The students feel that maintaining good body
postures when using SNS improves physical wellbeing.
5.3.4 INTERRELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VARIABLES
• Highly significant and strong positive correlation between time

management and nature of usage, time management and
friends and people connection, nature of usage and friends and
people connection, security issues and friends and people
connection. The correlation coefficient is also seen to be highly
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significant at 1% level. It is also observed that the
interrelationship between security issues with time
management and nature of usage is not significant.
Relationship between dimensions of Independent Variables and

Behavioural Outcomes
• The dimensions of time management such as time

media are found to be highly significant at 1% level with
behavioural outcomes. There exists moderate positive
correlation between dimensions of time management and
behavioural outcomes. As the college students are aware of the
dimensions of time management, the behavioural outcomes
are found to be enhanced in a positive manner.
• The dimensions of nature of usage such as listening,

availability of personalised materials, motivating learning and
development of collaborative skills are found to be highly
significant at 1% level with behavioural outcomes. There exists
weak positive correlation between dimensions of nature of
usage and behavioural outcomes. As the college students are
very keen on the nature of usage of social network sites, they
exhibit good behavioural outcomes.
• The dimensions of friends and people connection such as

enhancing relationships, self-esteem, building social network
are found to be highly significant at 1% level with behavioural
outcomes. There exists moderate positive correlation between
dimensions of friends and people connection and behavioural
outcomes. The more extent to that the students get connected
to friends and others the behavioural outcomes are also
enhanced.
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• The dimensions of security issues such as cyberbullying and
personalised details are found to be highly significant at 1%
level whereas internet abuse awareness is not significant with
behavioural outcomes. There exists weak positive correlation
between cyberbullying and personalised details with
behavioural outcomes whereas there is no correlation between
internet abuse awareness and behavioural outcomes. As the
college students are aware on the dimensions of security issues
in using the social network sites, they exhibit better
behavioural outcomes.
Relationship between dimensions of independent variables and

Performance

performance. There exists weak positive correlation between
dimensions of time management and performance. The overall
performance of the college students is proportionate to the
extent that they adhere to the dimensions of time management
in using social networking sites.

significant at 1% level with performance. There exists moderate
positive correlation between dimensions of nature of usage and
performance. The nature of usage of social networking sites
enhances the overall performance of the college students
moderately.
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are found to be highly significant at 1% level with performance.
There exists moderate positive correlation between dimensions
of friends and people connection and performance. As the
college students use social networking sites to enhance their
connectivity with friends and others the overall performance
also enhances to moderate levels.
• The dimensions of security issues such as internet abuse

awareness and cyberbullying are not significant whereas
personalised details are highly significant with performance at
1% level. There is no correlation between internet abuse
awareness and cyberbullying with performance whereas there
exists highly significant correlation between personalised
details and performance. As the college students are aware of
the security issues associated with the usage of social
networking sites the overall performance levels are not
affected, instead it is enhanced in them.

Physical Wellbeing

physical wellbeing. There exists moderate positive correlation
between dimensions of time management and physical
wellbeing. The college students are aware of the physical
wellbeing hence they adhere to the dimensions of time
management in using social networking sites.
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• The dimensions of nature of usage such as availability of
personalised materials, motivating learning and development

of collaborative skills are found to be highly significant at 1%
level with physical wellbeing whereas it is not significant for

listening. There exists moderate positive correlation between
dimensions of nature of usage and physical wellbeing. The
college students’ physical wellbeing is maintained

proportionately and in a moderate level with the extent to that
they adhere to the nature of usage of social networking sites.
are found to be highly significant at 1% level with physical

wellbeing. There exists moderate positive correlation between
dimensions of friends and people connection and physical

wellbeing. It is found that the physical wellbeing of the college
students is proportionately enhanced as to that extent that

they use the social networking sites in building good social
networks.
• The dimensions of security issues such as internet abuse
awareness, cyberbullying and personalised details are highly
significant with physical wellbeing at 1% level. There exists

positive and weak correlation between dimensions of security
issues and physical wellbeing. As the students are aware of the

security issues regarding SNS it is found that physical
wellbeing of students is enhanced.
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Students’ Wellbeing

students’ wellbeing. There exists moderate positive correlation
between dimensions of time management and students’
wellbeing. The college students adhere to time management in
using SNS and it is found that the students’ wellbeing is
enhanced at a moderate level.

significant at 1% level with students’ wellbeing. There exists
moderate positive correlation between dimensions of nature of
usage and students’ wellbeing. The college students’ wellbeing
is found to be proportionately enhanced at moderate levels
when they understand the nature of usage of SNS.

are found to be highly significant at 1% level with students’
wellbeing. There exists moderate positive correlation between
dimensions of friends and people connection and students’
wellbeing. As the college students enhance the social network
by using SNS the students’ wellbeing is found to be enhanced
in moderate levels.
• The dimensions of security issues such as cyberbullying and

personalised details are highly significant with students’
wellbeing at 1% level whereas it is not significant for internet
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abuse awareness. There exists positive and weak correlation
between dimensions of security issues and wellbeing except for
internet abuse awareness. It is found that students must be
made aware regarding internet abuse and its consequences.
Relationship between independent variables and Students’

Wellbeing
• The dimensions of usage of social media such as time

management, nature of usage, friends and people connection
and security issues are found to be highly significant at 1%
level with students’ wellbeing. There exists moderate positive
correlation between dimensions of usage of social media and
students’ wellbeing. It is found that as the college students are
aware on the usage of SNS such as time management, nature
of usage, friends and people connection and security issues the
students’ wellbeing is enhanced in all aspects such as
5.3.5 Predictability of Students’ Wellbeing and its Dimensions
• The usage of social networking sites plays a significant role in

behavioural outcomes. It is also found that one unit increase
in time management increases behavioural outcomes by 0.367
units. One unit increase in nature of usage of social networking
sites increases behavioural outcomes by 0.012 units. One unit
increase in friends and people connections increases
behavioural outcomes by 0.101 units. One unit increase in
security issues increases behavioural outcomes by 0.069
units.
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The regression equation for predicting Behavioural Outcomes is
Behavioural Outcomes = 1.847 + 0.367 (Time Management) + 0.012

(Nature of Usage) + 0.101 (Friends and People Connections) + 0.069
(Security Issues)
Hence Time Management, Nature of Usage, Friends and people

Connection and Security issues serve as significant predictors of
Behavioural outcomes of respondents studying in arts and science
colleges in Madurai.

performance. It is also seen from the table that one unit
increase in time management decreases performance by 0.046
increases performance by 0.225 units. One unit increase in
friends and people connections increases performance by
0.240 units. One unit increase in security issues decreases
performance by 0.030 units.
The regression equation for predicting Performance is
Performance = 2.478 - 0.046 (Time Management) + 0.225 (Nature of

Usage) + 0.240 (Friends and People Connections) – 0.030 (Security
Issues)

Performance of respondents studying in arts and science colleges in
Madurai.

physical wellbeing. It is also found that one unit increase in
time management increases physical wellbeing by 0.300 units.
One unit increase in nature of usage of social networking sites
increases physical wellbeing by 0.011 units. One unit increase
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in friends and people connections increases physical wellbeing
by 0.160 units. One unit increase in security issues increases
physical wellbeing by 0.160 units.
The regression equation for predicting Physical Wellbeing is
Physical Wellbeing = 1.456 + 0.300 (Time Management) + 0.011

(Nature of Usage) + 0.160 (Friends and People Connections) +
0.160 (Security Issues)

Physical Wellbeing of respondents studying in arts and science

students’ wellbeing. It is also found that one unit increase in
time management increases students’ wellbeing by 0.207
sites increases students’ wellbeing by 0.082 units. One unit
increase in friends and people connections increases students’
wellbeing by 0.035 units. One unit increase in security issues
increases students’ wellbeing by 0.066 units.
The regression equation for predicting Students’ Wellbeing is
Students’ Wellbeing = 1.927 + 0.207 (Time Management) + 0.082

(Nature of Usage) + 0.035 (Friends and People Connections) +
0.066 (Security Issues)

Students’ Wellbeing of respondents studying in arts and science
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5.3.6 Influence of Respondent’s Demographics on Independent
Variables and its Dimensions
Influence of respondent’s gender group on dimensions of Social

Media
• The male students had shown significant difference in opinion

regarding time management in the usage of social networking
sites between the respondents under the categories of gender.
• There is significant difference in opinion regarding nature of

usage of social media between the respondents under the
categories of gender. It is also seen that the male students have
a greater mean score regarding nature of usage of social media.
• There is no significant difference in opinion regarding friends

and people connection in the usage of social media between the
respondents under the categories of gender. It is also seen that
the male students have a greater mean score regarding friends
and people connection in the usage of social media.
• There is significant difference in opinion regarding security

issues in the usage of social media between the respondents
under the categories of gender. It is also seen that the male
students have a greater mean score regarding security issues
in the usage of social media.
It is found that the male students are more influenced in

using SNS than the female respondents.
Influence of respondent’s department of study on dimensions

of Social Media
• There is no significant difference in opinion regarding time

management between the respondents under the categories of
department of study. It is also seen that the students in the
science stream have a greater mean score regarding time
management in the usage of social media.
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categories of department of study. It is also seen that the
students in the professional stream have a greater mean score
regarding nature of usage of social media.

respondents under the categories of department of study. It is
also seen that the students in the professional stream have a
greater mean score regarding friends and people connection in
the usage of social media.

under the categories of department of study. It is also seen that
the students in the science stream have a greater mean score
regarding security issues in the usage of social media.
It is found that the students in the science stream of study

are more influenced regarding time management and security
issues in using SNS, whereas, the students in the professional
stream of study are more influenced by the nature of usage and
the people connectivity in using SNS.
Influence of respondent’s residence on dimensions of

Social Media

residence. It is also seen that the students staying in college
hostel have a greater mean score regarding time management
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• There is no significant difference in opinion regarding nature
of usage of social media between the respondents under the
categories of residence. It is also seen that the students staying
in the college hostel have a greater mean score regarding
nature of usage of social media.

respondents under the categories of residence. It is also seen
that the students staying in the college hostel have a greater
mean score regarding friends and people connection in the
usage of social media.
• There is no significant difference in opinion regarding security

under the categories of residence. It is also seen that the
students staying in college hostel have a greater mean score
It is found that the students staying in the college hostel

are more influenced by the usage of SNS.
Influence of respondent’s place of living on dimensions of

Social Media
• There is significant difference in opinion regarding time

place of living. It is also seen that the students living in rural
areas have a greater mean score regarding time management

categories of place of living. It is also seen that the students
living in rural areas have a greater mean score regarding
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respondents under the categories of place of living. It is also
seen that the students living in rural areas have a greater mean
score regarding friends and people connection in the usage of
social media.
• There is no significant difference in opinion regarding security

under the categories of place in living. It is also seen that the
students living in the rural areas have a greater mean score
It is found that the students living in the rural areas are more
influenced by the usage of SNS.
Influence of respondent’s type of family on dimensions of Social

Media

type of family. It is also seen that the students living as joint
family have a greater mean score regarding time management

categories of type of family. It is also seen that the students
living as nuclear family have a greater mean score regarding
• There is significant difference in opinion regarding friends and

people connection in the usage of social media between the
respondents under the categories of type of family. It is also
seen that the students living joint family have a greater mean
score regarding friends and people connection in the usage of
social media.
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under the categories of type of family. It is also seen that the
students living as joint family have a greater mean score
It is found that the college students who are in joint family

are more influenced by the time management, friends and people
connection and security issues whereas the college students who
are in nuclear family are more influenced by the nature of usage
of SNS.
Influence of respondent’s elders at home on dimensions of

Social Media

number of elders in the family. It is also seen that the students
living with four or more than four elders in the family have a
greater mean score regarding time management in the usage
of social media.

categories of number of elders in the family. It is also seen that
the students living with four or more than four elders in the
family have a greater mean score regarding nature of usage of
social media.

respondents under the categories of number of elders in the
family. It is also seen that the students living with less than
four elders in the family have a greater mean score regarding
friends and people connection in the usage of social media.
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under the categories of number of elders in the family. It is also
seen that the students living with less than four elders in the
family have a greater mean score regarding security issues in
It is found that the college students who have four or more

than four elders in their home give more importance to the time
management and nature of usage of SNS, whereas the college
students who have less than four elders in their home give more
importance to people connectivity and security issues in the
usage of SNS.
Influence of respondent’s source of internet in use on

dimensions of Social Media

source of internet they use. It is also seen that the students
using data card as a source of internet have a greater mean
score regarding time management in the usage of social media.

categories of source of internet they use. It is also seen that the
students using data card as a source of internet have a greater
mean score regarding nature of usage of social media.

respondents under the categories of source of internet they
use. It is also seen that the students using data card as a
source of internet have a greater mean score regarding friends
and people connection in the usage of social media.
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under the categories of source of internet they use. It is also
seen that the students using mobile data have a greater mean
score regarding security issues in the usage of social media.
It is found that college students give more importance to

security issues when they use mobile data as a source of internet
use in the usage of SNS.
Influence of respondent’s total monthly income of family

on dimensions of Social Media

total monthly income of the family. It is also seen that the
students whose total monthly income of family is less than Rs.
20000 have a greater mean score regarding time management

categories of total monthly income of the family. It is also seen
that the students whose total monthly income is between Rs.
20001 and Rs. 30000 have a greater mean score regarding

respondents under the categories of total monthly income of
family. It is also seen that the students whose total monthly
income of family less than Rs. 20000 have a greater mean score
regarding friends and people connection in the usage of social
media.
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under the categories of total monthly income of family. It is also
seen that the students whose total monthly income of family is

between Rs. 20001 and Rs. 30000 have a greater mean score
It is found that the college students whose total family

monthly income is less than Rs. 20000 give more importance to
time management and people connectivity in the usage of SNS

whereas the college students whose total family monthly income
is between Rs. 20001 and Rs. 30000 give more importance to

the nature of usage and security issues in the usage of SNS.
Influence of respondent’s money for expenses on

dimensions of Social Media

source of monthly expenses. It is also seen that the students
who get money from parents as well earn money from part-time
job have a greater mean score regarding time management in

categories of source of money for expenses. It is also seen that

the students who get money from parents as well earn money
from part-time job have a greater mean score regarding nature
of usage of social media.
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respondents under the categories of source of money for
expenses. It is also seen that the students who get money from
parents as well earn money from part-time job have a greater
mean score regarding friends and people connection in the

under the categories of source of money for expenses. It is also
seen that the students who earn money from part-time job for
expenses have a greater mean score regarding security issues
It is found that the college students who get money for

expenses from parents as well as earn through part-time job give
more importance to time management, nature of usage and
people connectivity in the usage of SNS whereas the college
students who get money for expenses only by earning through
part-time job give more importance to security issues in the
usage of SNS.
5.3.7 Influence of Respondent’s Demographics on Dependent

Variables and its Dimensions
Influence of respondent’s gender on dimensions of

Student’s Wellbeing
• There is no significant difference in opinion regarding

behavioural outcomes due to usage of social media between
the respondents under the categories of gender. It is also seen
that the male students have a greater mean score regarding
behavioural outcomes due to the usage of social media.
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• There is significant difference in opinion regarding
performance due to usage of social media between the
the female students have a greater mean score regarding
performance due to the usage of social media.
• There is no significant difference in opinion regarding physical

wellbeing due to the usage of social media between the
the male students have a greater mean score regarding
physical wellbeing due to the usage of social media.
It is found that male students are influenced by better

behavioural outcomes and physical wellbeing in the usage of SNS
whereas female students are influenced by better performance
in the usage of SNS.
Influence of respondent’s department of study on

dimensions of Student’s Wellbeing
• There is significant difference in opinion regarding behavioural

outcomes due to usage of social media between the
also seen that the students studying in the science stream have
a greater mean score regarding behavioural outcomes due to

also seen that the students studying in the arts stream have a
greater mean score regarding performance due to the usage of
social media.
219
also seen that the students studying in the professional stream
have a greater mean score regarding physical wellbeing due to
It is found that the students in the science stream of study

are influenced by better behavioural outcomes whereas the
students in the arts stream of study are influenced by better
performance levels and the students in the professional stream
of study are influenced by better physical wellbeing.
Influence of respondent’s residence on dimensions of


the respondents under the categories of place of residence. It
is also seen that the students staying in the college hostel have
a greater mean score regarding behavioural outcomes due to

respondents under the categories of place of residence. It is
also seen that the students staying in relative’s house have a
greater mean score regarding performance due to the usage of
social media.

also seen that the students staying in college hostel have a
greater mean score regarding physical wellbeing due to the
220
It is found that there is a mixed response from the
respondents. The college students who reside in the college
hostel are influenced by better behavioural outcomes and
physical wellbeing whereas the college students who reside in
relative’s house are influenced by better performance levels.
Influence of respondent’s place of living on dimensions of


score regarding behavioural outcomes due to the usage of
social media.

respondents under the categories of place of living. It is also seen
that the students living in rural areas have a greater mean score
regarding performance due to the usage of social media.

score regarding physical wellbeing due to the usage of social
media.
It is found that the college students who live in rural areas

exhibit better levels of behavioural outcomes, performance and
physical wellbeing thus exhibiting better students’ wellbeing.
This shows the level of influence of the usage of SNS.
221
Influence of respondent’s type of family on dimensions of

the respondents under the categories of type of family. It is also
seen that the students living as joint family have a greater
mean score regarding behavioural outcomes due to the usage
of social media.

mean score regarding performance due to the usage of social
media.

mean score regarding physical wellbeing due to the usage of
social media.
It is found that the college students wholive in joint family

are influenced to a better extent in exhibiting behavioural
outcomes, performance and physical wellbeing.
Influence of respondent’s elders at home on dimensions of


family. It is also seen that the students living with four and
222
more than four elders in the family have a greater mean score
regarding behavioural outcomes due to the usage of social
media.

four members in the family have a greater mean score
regarding performance due to the usage of social media.
• There is significant difference in opinion regarding physical

physical wellbeing due to the usage of social media.
It is found that the college students who live with less than
four elders in the family are influenced to a greater extent towards
performance and physical wellbeing whereas the college students
who live with four and more than four elders in the family are
influenced more towards behavioural outcomes.
Influence of respondent’s source of internet in use on

dimensions of Student’s Wellbeing

respondents under the categories of source of internet use. It
is also seen that the students using data card as source of
internet have a greater mean score regarding behavioural
outcomes due to the usage of social media.
223
internet have a greater mean score regarding performance due
to the usage of social media.

internet have a greater mean score regarding physical
wellbeing due to the usage of social media.
It is found that the college students who use data card as

source of internet are exhibit better wellbeing in terms of
Influence of respondent’s total monthly income of family

on dimensions of Student’s Wellbeing

income of family is less than Rs. 20000 have a greater mean
score regarding behavioural outcomes due to the usage of
social media.

score regarding performance due to the usage of social media.
224
score regarding physical wellbeing due to the usage of social
media.
It is found that the college students whose total family

monthly income is less than Rs. 20000 exhibit greater extent of
students’ wellbeing.
Influence of respondent’s money for expenses on dimensions

of Student’s Wellbeing

the respondents under the categories of source of money for
expenses. It is also seen that the students who earn from part-
time job for monthly expenses have a greater mean score
regarding behavioural outcomes due to the usage of social
media.

expenses. It is also seen that the students get money from
parents for expenses have a greater mean score regarding
performance due to the usage of social media.
• There is significant difference in opinion regarding physical

expenses. It is also seen that the students who earn money
from part-time job for expenses have a greater mean score
regarding physical wellbeing due to the usage of social media.
225
It is found that the college students who get money for
expenses from parents exhibit better performance whereas the
college students who earn money from part-time job for the
expenses exhibit better behavioural outcomes and physical
wellbeing.
5.3.8 Influence of Respondent’s Demographics on Student’s

Wellbeing
Influence of respondent’s gender on Student’s Wellbeing
• There is no significant difference in opinion regarding students’

wellbeing due to usage of social media between the
the female students have a greater mean score regarding
students’ wellbeing due to the usage of social media.
Influence of respondent’s department of study on Student’s

Wellbeing
• There is significant difference in opinion regarding students’

also seen that the students in the arts stream have a greater
mean score regarding students’ wellbeing due to the usage of
social media.
Influence of respondent’s residence on Student’s Wellbeing

also seen that the students staying in the college hostel have a
greater mean score regarding students’ wellbeing due to the
226
Influence of respondent’s place of living on Student’s Wellbeing

score regarding students’ wellbeing due to the usage of social
media.
Influence of respondent’s type of family on Student’s Wellbeing

mean score regarding students’ wellbeing due to the usage of
social media.
Influence of respondent’s elders at home on Student’s Wellbeing

Influence of respondent’s source of internet in use on Student’s

Wellbeing

is also seen that the students using data card as a source of
internet use have a greater mean score regarding students’
wellbeing due to the usage of social media.
227
Influence of respondent’s total monthly income of family on

wellbeing due to usage of social media between the respondents
under the categories of total monthly income of family. It is also
seen that the students whose total monthly income of family is
less than Rs. 20000 have a greater mean score regarding
Influence of respondent’s money for expenses on Student’s

Wellbeing

wellbeing due to usage of social media between the respondents
under the categories of source of money for expenses. It is also
seen that the students who earn from part-time job for expenses
have a greater mean score regarding students’ wellbeing due to
5.3.9 Respondent’s Demographics On Level Of Student’s Wellbeing
Gender and level of Student Wellbeing
• There is no significant association between respondent’s

gender and students’ wellbeing due to usage of social media.
High level of students’ wellbeing is exhibited by 59.3
percentage of male respondents whereas high level of students’
wellbeing is exhibited by 58.8 percentage of female
respondents. It is also observed that 14.3 percentage of male
respondents exhibit low level of students’ wellbeing whereas
14.0 percentage of female respondents exhibit low level of
It is found that male students exhibit greater percentage

(59.3) of high level of students’ wellbeing.
228
Department of Study and level of Student Wellbeing
• There is no significant association between student’s

department of study and students’ wellbeing due to usage of
social media. High level of students’ wellbeing is exhibited by
67.6 percentage, 55.0 percentage and 53.1 percentage of
respondents who study in the arts, science and professional
stream respectively. It is also observed that low level of
students’ wellbeing is exhibited by 8.1 percentage, 15.0
percentage and 22.1 percentage of respondents who study in
the arts, science and professional stream respectively.
It is found that greater percentage (67.6) of students in the

arts stream exhibit high level of students’ wellbeing.
Residence and level of Student Wellbeing
• There is no significant association between student’s residence

on students’ wellbeing due to usage of social media. High level
of students’ wellbeing is observed in 58.1 percentage of
respondents who come from home to college to study, 62.9
percentage of respondents who come from relative’s house to
college to study, 67.3 percentage of respondents who come
from college hostel to college to study and 54.4 percentage of
respondents who come from mansion and other places to
college to study. It is also seen that low level of students’
wellbeing is observed in 15.1 percentage of respondents who
come from home to college to study, 11.4 percentage of
respondents who come from relative’s house to college to
study, 18.2 percentage of respondents who come from college
hostel to college to study and 11.7 percentage of respondents
who come from mansion and other places to college to study.
229
It is found that greater percentage (67.3) of students those
who come from college hostel to college to study exhibit high
level of students’ wellbeing.
Place of living and level of Student Wellbeing
• There is no association between respondent’s place of living

and students’ wellbeing due to the usage of social media. High
level of student wellbeing is exhibited by 68.1 percentage of
respondents who live in rural areas and 52.2 percentage of
respondents who live in urban areas. In the same away it is
also seen that low level of student wellbeing is exhibited by
11.4 percentage of respondents who live in rural areas and
16.3 percentage of respondents who live in urban areas.
It is found that greater percentage (68.1) of students living

in rural areas exhibit high level of student wellbeing due to the
Type of Family and level of Student Wellbeing
• There is significant association between student’s type of

family and student’s wellbeing due to the usage of social
media. High level of student wellbeing is exhibited by 58.8
percentage of respondents who live as nuclear family and
59.1 percentage of respondents who live as joint family. In
the same away it is also seen that low level of student
wellbeing is exhibited by 31.6 percentage of respondents
who live nuclear family and 8.9 percentage of respondents
who live as joint family.
It is found that greater percentage (59.1) of students living

as joint family exhibit high level of student wellbeing due to the
230
Number of Elders at Home and level of Student Wellbeing
• There is no significant association between the number of

elders at home and students’ wellbeing due to the usage of
social media. When there are less than four elders at home
high level of students’ wellbeing is exhibited by 57.8 percentage
of the respondents and low level of students’ wellbeing is
exhibited by 13.4 percentage of the respondents. It is also seen
that when there are four and more than four elders at home
high level of students’ wellbeing is exhibited by 65.8 percentage
of the respondents and low level of students’ wellbeing is
exhibited by 18.4 percentage of the respondents.
It is found that those students having four and more than

four elders at home exhibit greater percentage (65.8) of high
level of students’ wellbeing due to the usage of social media.
Source of Internet in use and level of Student Wellbeing
• There is significant association between the source of internet

that the student uses and the students’ wellbeing due to the
usage of social media. Respondents using data card as source
of internet exhibit high level of student wellbeing. It is also seen
that 23.5 percentage of respondents using wi-fi as source of
internet exhibit high level of students’ wellbeing whereas 11.8
percentage of them exhibit low level of students’ wellbeing. It is
also observed that 60.2 percentage of respondents using
mobile data as source of internet exhibit high level of students’
wellbeing whereas 14.3 percentage of them exhibit low level of
It is found that greater percentage (60.2) of students’ who

use mobile data as source of internet exhibit high level of
students’ wellbeing due to usage of social media.
231
Total Monthly Income of Family and level of Student Wellbeing
• There is no significant association between the between the

students’ total monthly income of family and students’
wellbeing due to the usage of social media. It is observed from
the above table that respondents whose total monthly income
of family is less than Rs. 20000, 64.7 percentage of them
exhibit high level of students’ wellbeing and 16.0 percentage of
them exhibit low level of students’ wellbeing. The respondents
whose total monthly income of family is between Rs. 20001 and
Rs. 30000, 52.3 percentage of them exhibit high level of
students’ wellbeing and only 1.1 percentage of them exhibit low
level of students’ wellbeing. The respondents whose total
monthly income of family is between Rs. 30001 and Rs. 40000,
36.4 percentage of them exhibit high level of students’
wellbeing and 33.1 percentage of them exhibit low level of
students’ wellbeing. The respondents whose total monthly
income of family is above Rs. 40000, 14.3 percentage of them
exhibit high level of students’ wellbeing and 7.1 percentage of
them exhibit low level of students’ wellbeing.
It is found that a greater percentage (64.7) of students

whose total monthly income of family is less than Rs. 20000
exhibit high level of students’ wellbeing due to the usage of
social media.
Source of Money for Expenses and level of Student Wellbeing
• There is no association between source of money for expenses

and students’ wellbeing due to the usage of social media. It is
understood that among those respondents who get money for
expenses from parents, 51.7 percentage of them exhibit high
level of students’ wellbeing and 13.0 percentage of them
exhibit low level of students’ wellbeing. It is also seen that
232
among those respondents who earn money from part time job,
75.0 percentage of them exhibit high level of students’
wellbeing and 21.3 percentage of them exhibit low level of
students’ wellbeing. It is also observed that among those
respondents who get money for expenses from parents as well
as by doing part time job, 61.5 percentage of them exhibit high
level of students’ wellbeing and 10.1 percentage of them exhibit
low level of students’ wellbeing.
It is found that a greater percentage (75.0) of students who

earn money from part time job for the expenses exhibit high
level of students’ wellbeing.
5.3.10 Model fit Summary for Students’ Wellbeing
The model fits for Students’ Wellbeing due to usage of Social

Media is good.
5.4 SOCIOLOGICAL INTERVENTION
The role of social media usage in college students is very high

rate and slowly expanding as social media infiltrates more of our daily
lives. As a Sociologist may benefit from understanding these new
forms of communication, including the advantages and
disadvantages of each platform. One of the best ways to become more
familiar with these technologies is to use them for both professional
and personal reasons. While clear guidelines and boundaries need to
exist for interacting with the students social networking sites. As
follows some social intervention suggested by the researcher.
• The intervention given by Sociologist become more familiar

with these technologies, we have consolidated websites from
around the Internet to create this resource. In addition, we
have interviewed sociology professors who are currently using
233
social media in their classes in order to provide direct examples
of how they use these technologies to further education.
• The student community in the age group of 18 to 20 years is

an important aspect that needs due attention. The research
data highlighted that there is equal opportunity for the college
students to be part of congenial social group, adjusting to
changes in the recreation necessitated by patterns of living
with social responsibilities. Hence it makes better sense that
the role of government in framing and adopting policies and
implementing changes then and there regarding the wellbeing
of the students’ community is mandatory.
• Parents and elders at home shape the future of every student.

The elders at home should be a role model to the students and
also have a keen watch on the wellbeing. The parent-children
interaction should be in a conducive manner to identify any
deviation from usual behavior of children at home.
• Beyond educating students in how to use social media,

institutions of higher education must also establish
boundaries on its professional use. A social interventional
program’s in social media policy should balance educating
students with guiding and regulating the use of social media.
Legal, ethical, and practical interests require professionals to
be knowledgeable about social media’s merits and potential
pitfalls. This is a rapidly evolving area of technology that will
require ongoing attention from higher education programs.
• Given the extensive and expanding social media usage by

students in various programs, we strongly recommend that
program directors develop and promulgate their own policies.
234
• Many online resources can guide students in creating an
appropriate and constructive online presence. Yet because
many of these sites focus more on promoting business or
popularity, it is needed to balance online presence with
professional ethics and purposes. Some educational
institutions offer useful starting points for guiding students in
the appropriate professional use of social media.
5.5 SUGGESTIONS
It is a high demanding task to cope up with the growth of

information technology and telecommunication services and also
manage the consequences of the impact of the social media that is
created among the college students.
It is the combined responsibility of government, the ministry of

information technology and telecommunication services, higher
education institutions, faculties, parents and elders at home, as well
as students themselves to understand the advantages and
disadvantages of the usage of social networking sites and enhance
the students’ wellbeing.
The following are the suggestions for the various stakeholders
• The student community in the age group of 18 to 20 years is

an important aspect that needs due attention. The research
data highlighted that there is equal opportunity for the college
students to be part of congenial social group, adjusting to
changes in the recreation necessitated by patterns of living
with social responsibilities. Hence it makes better sense that
the role of government in framing and adopting policies and
implementing changes then and there regarding the wellbeing
of the students’ community is mandatory.
235
• The ministry of information technology and telecommunication
services should adhere to the governing principles that
facilitate the wellbeing of the students’ community. It is well
understood from the findings of the research study undertaken
that the students’ behavioural outcomes, performance and
physical wellbeing are positively correlated with the usage of
SNS. Hence it is essential that the ministry should always
monitor the various SNS and take stringent actions if any
deviation takes place.
• The higher educational institutions must play a significant role

in educating the college students on the usage of social
networking sites. The rules and regulations in the institution
regarding the usage of SNS should facilitate the students in
using it efficiently rather than trying to misuse it. The greater
extent to that the institution supports academic and
cocurricular activities through SNS helps students to use it in
a positive manner.
• The faculties must emphasis the usage of social media for

academics and also share information regarding misuse of SNS
and the consequences. The more awareness of usage of SNS in
academics supports the students to learn new techniques and
access to information on academic related activities.
Organising student development programmes on the topics
such as Better Usage of Social Media in Academics and
Consequences of misuse of telecommunication services will
serve the cause undertaken. It is also important to take up the
role of counsellors. Periodical review of the students’ wellbeing
is essential.
• Students themselves should have self-discipline and follow a

code of conduct that would help them enjoy the benefits the
SNS provides rather than misuse it and get in to problems.
236
5.6 IMPLICATIONS OF THE STUDY
The study has traced the interplay between the demographic

factors, dimensions of usage of social networking sites such as time
management, nature of usage, friends and people connection and
security issues and dimensions of students’ wellbeing such as
behavioural outcomes, performance and physical wellbeing among
the college students in the district of Madurai city. The study also
facilitated to understand the significant difference in opinion among
the respondents, the level of association of variables and the
demographic factors. The study identified the predictor variables for
each factor structure. Evidence suggests that the greater extent to
that the students understand the dimensions of the usage of SNS to
that extent the students’ wellbeing is enhanced. Hence it is important
that all stakeholders hold themselves responsible in directing
students in the proper usage of SNS and enhance themselves
holistically.
5.7 SCOPE FOR FUTURE RESEARCH
The study focused on the final year students of arts and

science college within Madurai city limit and in future the study can
be a model to be conducted in other districts also. The same may be
extended to other year students also to have a better understanding
of the performance and the level of students’ wellbeing. The study
can be extended on understanding the effectiveness of student
development programme that is conducted periodically as a result
and suggestion of this research study. The study can be conducted
among school students also as the usage of SNS is seen among
children at a young age as early in their teen ages.
237
5.8 CONCLUSION
The potential of students can be well tapped and identified

during their higher education period. Hence it is a high demanding
and challenging task in dealing with students in between the age of
18 and 20 years. The introduction of various aspects in the field of
information technology and telecommunication services though
seems to be essential for every individual particular selection of usage
of SNS is important. Only if the students are made aware of the
advantages and disadvantages in the usage of SNS would help the
college students lead a life that is both mentally and physically fit
and be free from worries. Hence the importance of the study is to
understand the significant influence of the usage of SNS among
college students and the results of the study provides a mixed
response among them for all dimensions of the study.
In current scenario the usage of social work media is inevitable

and increasing irrespective of all ages its influence and impacts are
dominant among the youth in particularly foe the college students. It
is necessary that children should be aware of their limitations,
effects, impacts and positive aspects of which to be used to what
extent. The purpose of usage should be considered clear.
The parents, academicians and peer group should support and

guide the college students to use this social media in a positive
manner. As these students consider to be future generation whom
should be moulded as a responsible citizen with self discipline
character to develop the society.
To conclude, it is important to put forth the suggestions to

prospective stakeholders emphasizing on the necessity to impart
continuous awareness on the usage of SNS. It is hoped that the
research project will form a stepping stone in the reflection of
students usage and physical wellbeing in Madurai city.
238

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CHAPTER V

FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION

The final chapter of the research report explains the results of

Students studying in the arts and science colleges in the

In this chapter, the key findings of the result are discussed.

5.1 Background of the study

Higher Educational Sector is of high importance as it predicts

The use of social media has become an integral part of student

The study attempted to answer the following questions

• Is there an underlying multi-factor structure to the concepts-

• What is the relationship between time management, nature of

• What is the predictability of usage of social media in students

• What are the differences in usage of social media and its

• What is the association between the socio-demographic factors

• Is it possible to evolve a model involving the variables such as

1. To find factor structures to the concepts-time management,

2. To analyse the relationship between time management, nature

3. To examine the predictability of usage of social media in

4. To understand the differences in usage of social media and its

5. To understand the association between the socio-demographic

6. To evolve a model involving the variables such as time

Pre Test was conducted, the questionnaire was circulated

The result of the analysis done is explained in the following order:

• Distribution of respondents based on the demographic profile

5.3 Summary of findings

5.3.1 PROFILE OF RESPONDENTS

• Male and female students have contributed to this study to

• Most of the respondents (41.2%) are in the science stream of

• Majority of the college students (53.1%) come to college from

• Most of the students (56.8%) studying in the arts and science

• Majority of the college students (76.5%) live as joint family.

• Most of the college students (84.4%) have less than 4 elder

• Most of the students’ (72.2%) total monthly income of family is

• Most of the students (55.3 %) get money from parents for

As the sample population is a generalisation of the entire

It is also seen that as majority of the students are from the

• 9 items were measured under three factors such as time

• 12 items were measured under four factors such as listening,

• 9items were measured under three factors such as enhancing

• 9items were measured under three factors such as internet

• 9items were measured under three factors such as

• 12 items were measured under four factors such as sleep

disturbances, obesity, body postures and eye strain. The factor

structure was confirmed using Confirmatory factor analysis.

The identification and confirmation of the variables as

5.3.3 Testing the Level of Independent Variables and Dependent

Level of Time Management

• The level of time appropriateness has significant difference in

time in using SNS thus maintaining time appropriateness.

• The level of time duration has significant difference in mean

duration in using SNS thus keen in time duration.

• The level of frequency of using social media has significant

difference in mean responses. The students use the SNS daily.

• The level of listening has significant difference in mean

responses. The students are very interested in listening to

• The level of availability of personalised course materials has

significant difference in mean responses. The students look in

• The level of motivating learning has significant difference in

• The level of development of collaborative skills has significant

proper communication is very essential in using SNS and it

LEVEL OF FRIENDS AND PEOPLE CONNECTION

• The level of enhancing relationships has significant difference

through friend requests in SNS thus enhancing relationships.