Social Networking Sites: Their Users and Social Implications – A Longitudinal Study

an article by Petter Bae Brandtzæg (University of Oslo) published in Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication Volume 17 Issue 4 (July 2012)

Abstract

The rapid adoption of social networking sites (SNSs) raises important questions about the social implications of such usage.

Drawing on unique longitudinal data, surveying a representative sample of Norwegian online users (N = 2,000, age 15–75 years) in 3 annual waves (2008, 2009, and 2010), this study found a significantly higher score among SNS users in comparison to nonusers in 3 out of 4 social capital dimensions:
face-to-face interactions,
number of acquaintances, and
bridging capital.

However, SNS-users, and in particular males, reported more loneliness than nonusers. Furthermore, cluster analyses identified 5 distinct types of SNS users:
Sporadics,
Lurkers,
Socializers,
Debaters, and
Advanced.

Results indicate that Socializers report higher levels of social capital compared to other user types.

Full text (PDF 22pp)

Hazel’ comment: 
And the purpose of this item is? Job seekers are frequently urged to make use of networks and this increasingly is going to mean online networks. It would, therefore, behove careers and employment advisers to learn about the online networking scene in order to advise their clients about the which, what and how.