Social Networking Site Use, Behavior, Self-esteem, and Online Identity Construction among Female College Students
By Grace Brillantes-Evangelista, Maria Lourdes Q. Baybay, & Sheila Dingcong
Leaps Miriam College Faculty Research Journal, Vol. 37, ISSN 01167235, March 2014
Abstract
This mixed-methods study explored correlations between social networking site (SNS) use and behavior, self-esteem, and online identity of Miriam College undergraduate students. It further examined the students’ online identity construction through IPA. For the correlational study, scales and questionnaires were administered among the 308 randomly selected Miriam College undergraduate students. Their scores among variables were correlated. A possible difference in scores between year levels was also explored. For the IPA, from the original sample, 10 participants were selected based on their self-esteem scores. They were interviewed and their Facebook accounts were content analyzed. Results indicate that many of the variables have significant but low correlations. SNS use positively correlates with personal and social gratifications, functionality, and positive feedback from other people. The low correlations among variables were attributed to the students’ high scores in SNS use, average scores in self-esteem, and single real identities. In addition, first-year students were more inclined to establish peer groups online compared to the other year levels. Analysis of the interviews and Facebook accounts shows that there are some differences between the students’ online and on-ground personalities. Furthermore, it illustrates how their Facebook serves as an avenue for creating a space for self-revelation and expression, projecting needs and preferences, experimenting on a different identity, managing positive self-presentation, and creating a virtual surrogate group. Recommendations for future research, academic and organizational development, and administrative policy are offered.
Keywords: social network, adolescent online behavior, self-esteem, online identity
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