An empirical study of Facebook use among students at a public university in Bangladesh

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to investigate the influence of Facebook (FB) as a social networking site on six dependent variables following FB influence model (FIM), uses and gratification model (UGT) and Dual model; bridging and bonding social relationships, social learning, socialization, social capital, social isolation, and FB addiction while FB users who feel pleasure in utilizing the platform, has been taken as an independent variable. This study employs both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) is selected purposively, an online survey is conducted for 385 students as respondents using simple random sampling from between January and May 2023. In addition, twelve case studies are conducted to draw qualitative conclusions in depth. The Chi-square test produces the following results of the hypotheses: bridging and bonding social relationship are significantly associated with pleasant FB connection (χ2 = 19.450, ρ (0.001) <0.05 (H1). Pleasant FB connection and its associated elements significantly influence respondents' information and learning (χ2 = 26.344, ρ (0.000) <0.05 (H2). Pleasant FB connection has a strong impact on socialization (χ2 = 7.533, ρ (0.006) <0.05 (H3). The association between Pleasant FB connection and building social capital is highly significant (χ2 = 29.852, ρ (0.000) <0.05 (H4). In response of experience, more usage of FB is significantly associated to addiction among users, resulting in economic and health concerns (χ2 = 79.429, ρ (0.000) <0.05 (H5). Lastly, pleasant FB connection and social isolation have a great connection (χ2 = 6.693, ρ (0.010) <0.05 (H6).

The study also discovers that FB provides its users with a variety of benefits, such as bridging sociability, information dissemination (especially during crises), self-branding, social capital and in the socialization process. Conversely, FB introduces a variety of negative consequences, such as sleep disturbances, psychological distress and social isolation. Thus, the study demonstrates that students can profit from their surroundings while taking into consideration time and place in a highly communicative system without causing harm. Finally, the study will benefit the media researchers, policy makers relevant to the behavioral issues and specially for the FB users who have great passion and curiosity for the platform.