| Abstrakt: |
This qualitative exploration takes an in-depth look at computer-mediated communication (CMC) within social networking websites. In order to examine needs, and motivations concerning such sites, a uses and gratifications framework is implemented. The purpose of this study is to understand how and why people make use of CMC via online networking sites. Twenty-five social networking website users were interviewed in order to examine participants' needs, and motications. Motivations include entertainment, information, and social utility. Needs are broken down into categories including cognitive, affective, personal, social, and escapist. These needs and motivations are revealed through user behavior, which concentrated on messaging, comments, pictures, friend networks, personal profiles, and others profiles. Part of the appeal of social networking sites is the ability of the software to meet multiple needs on multiple levels. This ability brings back users for repeat participation and explains the stickiness of the software. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
