Social network sites SNSs are increasingly attracting the attention of academic and industry researchers intrigued by their affordances and reach This special theme section of the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication brings together scholarship on these emergent phenomena In this introductory article, we describe features of SNSs and propose a comprehensive definition We then present one perspective on the history of such sites, discussing key changes and developments After briefly summarizing existing scholarship concerning SNSs, we discuss the articles in this special section and conclude with considerations for future research

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1083-6101.2007.00393.x

Social Network Sites: Definition, History, and Scholarship

This study examines the relationship between use of Facebook, a popular online social network site, and the formation and maintenance of social capital. In addition to assessing bonding and bridging social capital, we explore a dimension of social capital that assesses one’s ability to stay connected with members of a previously inhabited community, which we call maintained social capital. Regression analyses conducted on results from a survey of undergraduate students (N = 286) suggest a strong association between use of Facebook and the three types of social capital, with the strongest relationship being to bridging social capital. In addition, Facebook usage was found to interact with measures of psychological well-being, suggesting that it might provide greater benefits for users experiencing low self-esteem and low life satisfaction.

/pdf/the-benefits-of-facebook-friends-social-capital-and-college-2j90l44gqu.pdf

The Benefits of Facebook “Friends:” Social Capital and College Students’ Use of Online Social Network Sites

http://wiki.stoa.usp.br/images/e/e6/Whyfacebook.pdf

Online social networks: Why do students use facebook?

Social Networking Sites (SNSs) such as Facebook are one of the latest examples of communications technologies that have been widely-adopted by students and, consequently, have the potential to become a valuable resource to support their educational communications and collaborations with faculty. However, faculty members have a track record of prohibiting classroom uses of technologies that are frequently used by students. To determine how likely higher education faculty are to use Facebook for either personal or educational purposes, higher education faculty (n = 62) and students (n = 120) at a mid-sized southern university were surveyed on their use of Facebook and email technologies. A comparison of faculty and student responses indicate that students are much more likely than faculty to use Facebook and are significantly more open to the possibility of using Facebook and similar technologies to support classroom work. Faculty members are more likely to use more “traditional” technologies such as email.

Findings on Facebook in higher education: A comparison of college faculty and student uses and perceptions of social networking sites

The ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology, 2009

This experimental study examined the effects of teacher self-disclosure via Facebook on anticipated college student motivation, affective learning, and classroom climate. Participants who accessed the Facebook website of a teacher high in self-disclosure anticipated higher levels of motivation and affective learning and a more positive classroom climate. In their responses to open-ended items, participants emphasized possible negative associations between teacher use of Facebook and teacher credibility. Participants offered recommendations for teachers regarding the use of Facebook and other weblog services.

/pdf/i-ll-see-you-on-facebook-the-effects-of-computer-mediated-cdpm9a5wcj.pdf

I'll See You On “Facebook”: The Effects of Computer-Mediated Teacher Self-Disclosure on Student Motivation, Affective Learning, and Classroom Climate

(1963). The ethics of debating both sides II. The Speech Teacher: Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 242-247.

The ethics of debating both sides II

The speech as literary genre

Charles Dickens as professional reader

(1966). The ability to select words to convey intended meaning. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 52, No. 3, pp. 255-258.

Richard Murphy

Papers

I'll See You On “Facebook”: The Effects of Computer-Mediated Teacher Self-Disclosure on Student Motivation, Affective Learning, and Classroom Climate

The ethics of debating both sides II

The speech as literary genre

Charles Dickens as professional reader

The ability to select words to convey intended meaning