“Don’t forget to be awesome”: the role of social learning as a component of belonging in virtual communities: a case study of the Youtube fan community “Nerdfighteria”
- Authors: Steenkamp, Elri Colleen
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nerdfighteria (Online) , Social learning , Online social networks , Belonging (Social psychology) , Communities of practice , YouTube (Firm)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63753 , vital:28484
- Description: The growth of the Internet has allowed fans who consume various media products, to interact and convene with other who share similar interests in online fan communities. Historically the study of fans has focused on pleasure and enjoyment as the main motivating factors why individual fans join, stay and participate in fan communities. This study, however, suggests that learning as a component of belonging has been underestimated within contemporary fan studies. Close examination of the literature of fan studies and the social practices of online fan communities reveal that these spaces may serve as fertile spaces for learning and the sharing of knowledge. Daily learning occurs within multiple spheres, including personal interests, peer culture, and academic content; all elements which can be found within fan communities. This study used the social learning theory “communities of practice” (CoP) model developed by Wenger (1998) to understand of this element of learning and knowledge sharing that seems to take places within fan communities. This study explores learning as a component of belonging to online fan communities by using the fan community of the YouTube personalities Vlogbrothers, which has named itself Nerdfighteria, as a case study. Through a qualitative research approach, which includes participation observation methods and qualitative interviews, this thesis has analysed the fan community Nerdfighteria, and used two Nerdfighter fan Facebook groups, the global NERDFIGHTEIRIA and local Nerdfighters South Africa, as case studies to evaluate whether the elements of learning taking place within these spaces serves as a motivating factor for belonging and participation. The results of this research support the idea that learning plays a role within the fan community Nerdfighteria and thus that it functions as a CoP. Fans within the global NERDFIGHTERIA Facebook group use this fan space to discuss and debate content related to their media of choice; thereby learning and acquiring knowledge as a CoP. The Nerdfighters South Africa Facebook group, despite the learning potential, fails to function as a CoP because it is no longer functionally allows for shared learning. Online fan communities, this research found, have the potential to serve as functioning communities of practice (CoP) only if they embody the characteristics and practicalities consistent with a learning space. Overall these fan groups may be categorised as communities of interests but sub-sections within these communities fit the criteria of a community of practice due to the kind of learning that is taking place. This research supports an alternative, yet promising, approach to the study of fan online communities which prioritises learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Steenkamp, Elri Colleen
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nerdfighteria (Online) , Social learning , Online social networks , Belonging (Social psychology) , Communities of practice , YouTube (Firm)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63753 , vital:28484
- Description: The growth of the Internet has allowed fans who consume various media products, to interact and convene with other who share similar interests in online fan communities. Historically the study of fans has focused on pleasure and enjoyment as the main motivating factors why individual fans join, stay and participate in fan communities. This study, however, suggests that learning as a component of belonging has been underestimated within contemporary fan studies. Close examination of the literature of fan studies and the social practices of online fan communities reveal that these spaces may serve as fertile spaces for learning and the sharing of knowledge. Daily learning occurs within multiple spheres, including personal interests, peer culture, and academic content; all elements which can be found within fan communities. This study used the social learning theory “communities of practice” (CoP) model developed by Wenger (1998) to understand of this element of learning and knowledge sharing that seems to take places within fan communities. This study explores learning as a component of belonging to online fan communities by using the fan community of the YouTube personalities Vlogbrothers, which has named itself Nerdfighteria, as a case study. Through a qualitative research approach, which includes participation observation methods and qualitative interviews, this thesis has analysed the fan community Nerdfighteria, and used two Nerdfighter fan Facebook groups, the global NERDFIGHTEIRIA and local Nerdfighters South Africa, as case studies to evaluate whether the elements of learning taking place within these spaces serves as a motivating factor for belonging and participation. The results of this research support the idea that learning plays a role within the fan community Nerdfighteria and thus that it functions as a CoP. Fans within the global NERDFIGHTERIA Facebook group use this fan space to discuss and debate content related to their media of choice; thereby learning and acquiring knowledge as a CoP. The Nerdfighters South Africa Facebook group, despite the learning potential, fails to function as a CoP because it is no longer functionally allows for shared learning. Online fan communities, this research found, have the potential to serve as functioning communities of practice (CoP) only if they embody the characteristics and practicalities consistent with a learning space. Overall these fan groups may be categorised as communities of interests but sub-sections within these communities fit the criteria of a community of practice due to the kind of learning that is taking place. This research supports an alternative, yet promising, approach to the study of fan online communities which prioritises learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A phenominological study of young adults' experiences of facebook
- Authors: Prince, Inge
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Teenagers -- Social networks , Online social networks , Internet -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9979 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021116
- Description: Social networking sites are a recent phenomenon and have experienced tremendous growth in popularity especially among young people. Social networking sites are changing the way individuals communicate with each other and the world. Social networking sites (SNS) provide users with a unique computer-mediated environment where individuals are able to disclose their thoughts, feelings, and experiences within their own social network. The present study aims to explore the experiences of young adults regarding Facebook. A transcendental phenomenological approach was used to elicit the essence of the experiences of the participants. Theoretical sampling ensured relevant participants were selected through haphazard sampling procedures. Data was collected through the use of biographical questionnaires and individual, semi-structured interviews. The data was processed according to the four phenomenological principles epoche, phenomenological reduction, imaginative variation and synthesis using Tesch’s eight steps. Lincoln and Guba’s model was used to assess the trustworthiness of the data obtained. The participants described their experiences of Facebook by highlighting how they use Facebook as a communication tool which assists them in their relationship maintenance with others. Participants use self-presentation on Facebook to manage how they are perceived. The participants experience Facebook as having many privacy risks. They indicated that Facebook has addictive qualities and facilitates cyber stalking behaviour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Prince, Inge
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Teenagers -- Social networks , Online social networks , Internet -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9979 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021116
- Description: Social networking sites are a recent phenomenon and have experienced tremendous growth in popularity especially among young people. Social networking sites are changing the way individuals communicate with each other and the world. Social networking sites (SNS) provide users with a unique computer-mediated environment where individuals are able to disclose their thoughts, feelings, and experiences within their own social network. The present study aims to explore the experiences of young adults regarding Facebook. A transcendental phenomenological approach was used to elicit the essence of the experiences of the participants. Theoretical sampling ensured relevant participants were selected through haphazard sampling procedures. Data was collected through the use of biographical questionnaires and individual, semi-structured interviews. The data was processed according to the four phenomenological principles epoche, phenomenological reduction, imaginative variation and synthesis using Tesch’s eight steps. Lincoln and Guba’s model was used to assess the trustworthiness of the data obtained. The participants described their experiences of Facebook by highlighting how they use Facebook as a communication tool which assists them in their relationship maintenance with others. Participants use self-presentation on Facebook to manage how they are perceived. The participants experience Facebook as having many privacy risks. They indicated that Facebook has addictive qualities and facilitates cyber stalking behaviour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Coping with romantic relationship dissolution: the role of social media
- Authors: Cothill, Elzaan
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Online social networks , Man-woman relationships , Cyberspace -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9982 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021161
- Description: Individuals utilise social networking sites (SNSs) such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter to communicate and stay in touch with romantic partners and to maintain relationships. SNSs also play a role in connecting individuals to each other – it enables users to gain a better understanding of the self and to develop meaningful relationships with others. It is used to share personal experiences and is frequently used as a means of social support. Making use of social media can therefore also play a role in coping with relationship dissolution, both at the time of the dissolution and during the post-dissolution stages of the romantic relationship. Lazarus’ Stress and Coping Theory, as well as aspects of Social Interactionist Theory, were utilised as a theoretical framework to conceptualise coping strategies and online behaviour. The aim of the study was to create a detailed description of the role of social media in coping with relationship dissolution. The study was a qualitative, phenomenological study and participants were obtained using purposive and snowball sampling. Unstructured, in-depth interviews were used to collect the data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Based on the findings of the researcher, social media can be both advantageous and disadvantageous in coping with relationships dissolution. Moreover, using social media in order to cope during and after relationship dissolution indicated adaptive coping in the short-term, and maladaptive coping in the long-term. This study has therefore generated an understanding of the role of social media in coping with relationship dissolution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Cothill, Elzaan
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Online social networks , Man-woman relationships , Cyberspace -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9982 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021161
- Description: Individuals utilise social networking sites (SNSs) such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter to communicate and stay in touch with romantic partners and to maintain relationships. SNSs also play a role in connecting individuals to each other – it enables users to gain a better understanding of the self and to develop meaningful relationships with others. It is used to share personal experiences and is frequently used as a means of social support. Making use of social media can therefore also play a role in coping with relationship dissolution, both at the time of the dissolution and during the post-dissolution stages of the romantic relationship. Lazarus’ Stress and Coping Theory, as well as aspects of Social Interactionist Theory, were utilised as a theoretical framework to conceptualise coping strategies and online behaviour. The aim of the study was to create a detailed description of the role of social media in coping with relationship dissolution. The study was a qualitative, phenomenological study and participants were obtained using purposive and snowball sampling. Unstructured, in-depth interviews were used to collect the data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Based on the findings of the researcher, social media can be both advantageous and disadvantageous in coping with relationships dissolution. Moreover, using social media in order to cope during and after relationship dissolution indicated adaptive coping in the short-term, and maladaptive coping in the long-term. This study has therefore generated an understanding of the role of social media in coping with relationship dissolution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An investigation into integrating social sites as a teaching and learning practice to create dialogue spaces in the language classroom
- Authors: Olamijulo, Christianah
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Online social networks , Blended learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8429 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020149
- Description: This study intends to explore how social media or social networking sites (SNSs) such as Facebook can facilitate communication channels or create dialogue spaces in a language class. Social media is a form of participatory media, which broadly refers to the “collection of communication channels or mediums (primarily online and mobile) through which social networks originate and are sustained” (Flew 2008:109). Although the term social media is often used as a collective term for SNSs or as the core trademark of Web 2.0, Flew (2008:17) also distinguishes social media by calling it a “communications infrastructure” that allows for “participation, interactivity, collaborative learning and social networking”. Flew (2008) identifies various online sites including the online encyclopaedia Wikipedia and the online user-generated video site YouTube as well as various personalised web space sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Friendster and Bebo as participatory media. The study’s data collection was situated at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) and investigated how social media can be used to facilitate dialogue between a tutor and BKI1120 Communication in English B students in a Higher Education (HE) context using qualitative methodology. This study compared the use of existing and more traditional or conventional classroom communication practices with those of SNSs as a communication channel, while focusing on social media application as a communication tool to create dialogue spaces that support teaching and learning practices. The research also attempted to identify alternative applications of social media for teaching and learning practices to inform researchers in the fields of HE and media. In the first data-collection phase, BKI1120 Communication in English B Public Management students were selected as the sample for the study. Seventeen students participated in the BKI1120 Facebook page created for the purpose of this study. In the second data-collection phase, a taped focus-group interview was conducted with eight BKI1120 Communication in English B students. The interview transcript was then analysed qualitatively for themes. The research findings showed that social media or SNSs such as Facebook can facilitate communication channels or create dialogue spaces in a language class, if it is managed effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Olamijulo, Christianah
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Online social networks , Blended learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8429 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020149
- Description: This study intends to explore how social media or social networking sites (SNSs) such as Facebook can facilitate communication channels or create dialogue spaces in a language class. Social media is a form of participatory media, which broadly refers to the “collection of communication channels or mediums (primarily online and mobile) through which social networks originate and are sustained” (Flew 2008:109). Although the term social media is often used as a collective term for SNSs or as the core trademark of Web 2.0, Flew (2008:17) also distinguishes social media by calling it a “communications infrastructure” that allows for “participation, interactivity, collaborative learning and social networking”. Flew (2008) identifies various online sites including the online encyclopaedia Wikipedia and the online user-generated video site YouTube as well as various personalised web space sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Friendster and Bebo as participatory media. The study’s data collection was situated at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) and investigated how social media can be used to facilitate dialogue between a tutor and BKI1120 Communication in English B students in a Higher Education (HE) context using qualitative methodology. This study compared the use of existing and more traditional or conventional classroom communication practices with those of SNSs as a communication channel, while focusing on social media application as a communication tool to create dialogue spaces that support teaching and learning practices. The research also attempted to identify alternative applications of social media for teaching and learning practices to inform researchers in the fields of HE and media. In the first data-collection phase, BKI1120 Communication in English B Public Management students were selected as the sample for the study. Seventeen students participated in the BKI1120 Facebook page created for the purpose of this study. In the second data-collection phase, a taped focus-group interview was conducted with eight BKI1120 Communication in English B students. The interview transcript was then analysed qualitatively for themes. The research findings showed that social media or SNSs such as Facebook can facilitate communication channels or create dialogue spaces in a language class, if it is managed effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Facebook as a tool for social customer relationship marketing
- Authors: Puffett, Lauren
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Facebook (Electronic resource) , Internet marketing , Customer relations , Online social networks , Relationship marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8415 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012083 , Facebook (Electronic resource) , Internet marketing , Customer relations , Online social networks , Relationship marketing
- Description: This study aimed to provide public relations professions with insight into the use of Social Customer Relationship Marketing as a marketing 2.0 tool which delivers the potential to elicit the opportunity for organisations to monitor, engage and manage conversations and relationships through Facebook. Drawing on literature from the fields such as new media, public relations, social customer relationship marketing, and public relations, a qualitative content analysis of case studies of selected organisations was conducted including 10 South African organisations that have incorporated Facebook into their Social Customer Relationship Marketing strategies. The content analysis was conducted to determine the amount of communications taking place on each fan page in order to support the data and provide additional insight into the research question, primary data was collected through two survey questionnaires of, firstly, social media users who subscribe to an organisation‘s Facebook page and, secondly, a survey conducted among the social organisations. Surveys were conducted to firstly determine the social organisations interactions with Facebook as secondly, to determine the social media users‘ interactions with the Facebook. The study found that the majority of the organisations under study in the content analysis successfully elicited user generated conversations about the brand, through content that was advocated by the organisations Facebook administrator. It is also evident as seen in the minority of organisations that these platforms are only likely to elicit consumer- driven dialogue on Facebook if the platform is managed effectively through initiated daily conversations about the brand. The continuous involvement by the administrator in encouraging conversations was necessary, as well as response to all wall posts by the social customer, participation in all conversations by providing accurate information to customers and potential customers about the brand. Conclusions from the survey questionnaires among the social identified the social customers need to be communicated with pro-actively by an organisations who can provide, through collaborative conversations, information pertaining to the brand in real time conversation, while the survey among the social organisation concluded the need for an organisation to not only create a social media footprint, but to allow for a space in which through conversation with the social customer, conversations can turn into relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Puffett, Lauren
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Facebook (Electronic resource) , Internet marketing , Customer relations , Online social networks , Relationship marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8415 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012083 , Facebook (Electronic resource) , Internet marketing , Customer relations , Online social networks , Relationship marketing
- Description: This study aimed to provide public relations professions with insight into the use of Social Customer Relationship Marketing as a marketing 2.0 tool which delivers the potential to elicit the opportunity for organisations to monitor, engage and manage conversations and relationships through Facebook. Drawing on literature from the fields such as new media, public relations, social customer relationship marketing, and public relations, a qualitative content analysis of case studies of selected organisations was conducted including 10 South African organisations that have incorporated Facebook into their Social Customer Relationship Marketing strategies. The content analysis was conducted to determine the amount of communications taking place on each fan page in order to support the data and provide additional insight into the research question, primary data was collected through two survey questionnaires of, firstly, social media users who subscribe to an organisation‘s Facebook page and, secondly, a survey conducted among the social organisations. Surveys were conducted to firstly determine the social organisations interactions with Facebook as secondly, to determine the social media users‘ interactions with the Facebook. The study found that the majority of the organisations under study in the content analysis successfully elicited user generated conversations about the brand, through content that was advocated by the organisations Facebook administrator. It is also evident as seen in the minority of organisations that these platforms are only likely to elicit consumer- driven dialogue on Facebook if the platform is managed effectively through initiated daily conversations about the brand. The continuous involvement by the administrator in encouraging conversations was necessary, as well as response to all wall posts by the social customer, participation in all conversations by providing accurate information to customers and potential customers about the brand. Conclusions from the survey questionnaires among the social identified the social customers need to be communicated with pro-actively by an organisations who can provide, through collaborative conversations, information pertaining to the brand in real time conversation, while the survey among the social organisation concluded the need for an organisation to not only create a social media footprint, but to allow for a space in which through conversation with the social customer, conversations can turn into relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Robert Pattison as the object of desire: an investigation into the representation of the Twilight saga in online media
- Authors: Martin, Shelley-Ann
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Online social networks , Social media
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8418 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014075
- Description: This study aimed to provide researchers in the development of media studies with research into understanding the star as the object of desire in a contemporary context, using Robert Pattinson as the star and The Twilight Saga, which made him famous, as an example of the effects that the use of social and online media have on audiences in terms of their perception and identification of a particular star. This study drew from literature and theories such as stardom, star as the object of desire, audience theory, fantasy, desire and escapism as well as theory on globalisation, the mass media and online and social media. Whilst social and online media have been in existence for a number of years, there is little research that has been performed in order to determine whether or not the use of social and online media directly affect users’ understanding and perception of certain stars and films. There has also been little research performed in order to gain an understanding of fantasy and desire, in terms of films and film stars, outside the constraints of the cinema. This study examined this notion, noting that The Twilight Saga has been successful production worldwide, in order to discover whether or not the use of social and online media perpetuates obsession in the fans and audience members. The first part of the study that was conducted, applied certain theories discussed and developed in the literature review, to Robert Pattinson and The Twilight Saga in order to obtain a better understanding of the star and the film series in terms of cinema, stardom, fantasy and escapism and online and social media. A comparative case study of six online articles, from prominent online sources featuring Pattinson, was then conducted in order to investigate Pattinson’s image and status in the online community. Finally, a content analysis of various online and social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube was performed in order to find out what type of information and imagery was being generated about Pattinson and the Saga as well as to investigate how fans and followers engaged with the different media channels and what kinds of comments they were making about the star and the Saga. It was found that Pattinson, the character he plays in the film series, Edward Cullen, and The Twilight Saga have a large presence on key social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, with a vast amount of followers and fans; Facebook and Twitter being the most popular and interactive media avenues. It was also found that Pattinson, Edward and The Twilight Saga, through the avid use of the social media tools, elicited and incited signs of obsession, fantasy and desire within an extensive amount of fans and followers, outside the constraints of the cinema
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Martin, Shelley-Ann
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Online social networks , Social media
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8418 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014075
- Description: This study aimed to provide researchers in the development of media studies with research into understanding the star as the object of desire in a contemporary context, using Robert Pattinson as the star and The Twilight Saga, which made him famous, as an example of the effects that the use of social and online media have on audiences in terms of their perception and identification of a particular star. This study drew from literature and theories such as stardom, star as the object of desire, audience theory, fantasy, desire and escapism as well as theory on globalisation, the mass media and online and social media. Whilst social and online media have been in existence for a number of years, there is little research that has been performed in order to determine whether or not the use of social and online media directly affect users’ understanding and perception of certain stars and films. There has also been little research performed in order to gain an understanding of fantasy and desire, in terms of films and film stars, outside the constraints of the cinema. This study examined this notion, noting that The Twilight Saga has been successful production worldwide, in order to discover whether or not the use of social and online media perpetuates obsession in the fans and audience members. The first part of the study that was conducted, applied certain theories discussed and developed in the literature review, to Robert Pattinson and The Twilight Saga in order to obtain a better understanding of the star and the film series in terms of cinema, stardom, fantasy and escapism and online and social media. A comparative case study of six online articles, from prominent online sources featuring Pattinson, was then conducted in order to investigate Pattinson’s image and status in the online community. Finally, a content analysis of various online and social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube was performed in order to find out what type of information and imagery was being generated about Pattinson and the Saga as well as to investigate how fans and followers engaged with the different media channels and what kinds of comments they were making about the star and the Saga. It was found that Pattinson, the character he plays in the film series, Edward Cullen, and The Twilight Saga have a large presence on key social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, with a vast amount of followers and fans; Facebook and Twitter being the most popular and interactive media avenues. It was also found that Pattinson, Edward and The Twilight Saga, through the avid use of the social media tools, elicited and incited signs of obsession, fantasy and desire within an extensive amount of fans and followers, outside the constraints of the cinema
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An investigation of social media as a dimension of the social identity formation among female adolescents in King William's Town
- Authors: Mbinjama, Adelina
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Online social networks , Social media -- South Africa -- King Williams Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8393 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1015 , Online social networks , Social media -- South Africa -- King Williams Town
- Description: According to Jensen (2000:215), though we talk of the growing digital divide between rich and poor countries, Africa has shown encouraging signs that it is rapidly adopting the Internet and making innovative use of the technology. Nevertheless, the continent is still well behind other developing regions of the world in taking advantage of the information and communication revolution. The main reasons for this are the limited and expensive telecommunication infrastructure, small markets, and lack of skills and awareness. At the end of 1996, just 11 of Africa’s 54 countries had local Internet access, but by February 2000 all of the continent’s countries had access in the capital cities (Jensen 2000:215). Excluding South Africa, the number of computers permanently connected to the Internet in Africa exceeded 10,000 early in 1999 (Jensen 2000:215). By January 2000, the total had increased to about 25,000, which means Africa, with an estimated population of 780 million people, has about as many Internet-connected computers (hosts) as Latvia, which only has a population of 2.5 million (Jensen 2000:215). Measuring the actual number of Internet users is difficult, but figures for the number of dial-up accounts supplied by Internet service providers (ISPs) show that Africa has more than 500,000 subscribers (Jensen 2000:215). Each computer with an Internet or e-mail connection supports an average of three users, a recent study by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has found (Jensen 2000:215). This puts current estimates of the number of African Internet users at somewhere around 1.5 million. Most are in South Africa with approximately 1 million (Jensen 2000:215). Apart from the widespread use of Internet for business and entertainment purposes, social networking sites are becoming widely popular in South Africa. Although there has been little academic research on social networking sites in South Africa, there have been a few articles on websites, newspapers, and magazines that have touched on this phenomenon. Social networking sites, particularly Facebook, have become very popular among the adult internet user population, as both business and private applications. BMW South Africa, for example, has a Facebook page where video posts of recent car models and photos of cars are placed. The Facebook page also has a link to the company’s website (www.bmw.co.za) on the profile which takes a user straight to the commercial website. FM Tech (www.fmtech.co.za) is technology industry news and opinion website edited by Duncan McLeod, associate editor at the Financial Mail, South Africa’s top-selling and best-read weekly business, technology and current affairs magazine. McLeod’s article, What SA Internet users searched for in 2008, revealed that “Facebook”, “Cape Town” and “games” are the terms that South African Internet users searched for most often in 2008. Farber (2008) suggests that this is according to the results of US Web search giant Google’s annual “Zeitgeist” survey of the top searches worldwide. Farber also includes the year’s list of fastest-rising search terms which showed an enormous interest in international social networking sites. 1.2 Articles from popular media The following four popular articles describe the nature of social networking sites and its influence on South African users. Article 1: Cathryn Reece (2007) wrote an article entitled Facebook fever grips SA. “Cape Town - South Africans have embraced the internet social networking revolution, with over 50 000 new users signing on to the local Facebook network. The Facebook "South Africa" network currently has over 87 000 members - up from 35 000 in May. When a user registers on the site, they are given a blank profile page which they can update with their personal information and are encouraged to join a network. Members can then search the site for their friends and link up to each other, re-creating their social circle on the internet.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mbinjama, Adelina
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Online social networks , Social media -- South Africa -- King Williams Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8393 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1015 , Online social networks , Social media -- South Africa -- King Williams Town
- Description: According to Jensen (2000:215), though we talk of the growing digital divide between rich and poor countries, Africa has shown encouraging signs that it is rapidly adopting the Internet and making innovative use of the technology. Nevertheless, the continent is still well behind other developing regions of the world in taking advantage of the information and communication revolution. The main reasons for this are the limited and expensive telecommunication infrastructure, small markets, and lack of skills and awareness. At the end of 1996, just 11 of Africa’s 54 countries had local Internet access, but by February 2000 all of the continent’s countries had access in the capital cities (Jensen 2000:215). Excluding South Africa, the number of computers permanently connected to the Internet in Africa exceeded 10,000 early in 1999 (Jensen 2000:215). By January 2000, the total had increased to about 25,000, which means Africa, with an estimated population of 780 million people, has about as many Internet-connected computers (hosts) as Latvia, which only has a population of 2.5 million (Jensen 2000:215). Measuring the actual number of Internet users is difficult, but figures for the number of dial-up accounts supplied by Internet service providers (ISPs) show that Africa has more than 500,000 subscribers (Jensen 2000:215). Each computer with an Internet or e-mail connection supports an average of three users, a recent study by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has found (Jensen 2000:215). This puts current estimates of the number of African Internet users at somewhere around 1.5 million. Most are in South Africa with approximately 1 million (Jensen 2000:215). Apart from the widespread use of Internet for business and entertainment purposes, social networking sites are becoming widely popular in South Africa. Although there has been little academic research on social networking sites in South Africa, there have been a few articles on websites, newspapers, and magazines that have touched on this phenomenon. Social networking sites, particularly Facebook, have become very popular among the adult internet user population, as both business and private applications. BMW South Africa, for example, has a Facebook page where video posts of recent car models and photos of cars are placed. The Facebook page also has a link to the company’s website (www.bmw.co.za) on the profile which takes a user straight to the commercial website. FM Tech (www.fmtech.co.za) is technology industry news and opinion website edited by Duncan McLeod, associate editor at the Financial Mail, South Africa’s top-selling and best-read weekly business, technology and current affairs magazine. McLeod’s article, What SA Internet users searched for in 2008, revealed that “Facebook”, “Cape Town” and “games” are the terms that South African Internet users searched for most often in 2008. Farber (2008) suggests that this is according to the results of US Web search giant Google’s annual “Zeitgeist” survey of the top searches worldwide. Farber also includes the year’s list of fastest-rising search terms which showed an enormous interest in international social networking sites. 1.2 Articles from popular media The following four popular articles describe the nature of social networking sites and its influence on South African users. Article 1: Cathryn Reece (2007) wrote an article entitled Facebook fever grips SA. “Cape Town - South Africans have embraced the internet social networking revolution, with over 50 000 new users signing on to the local Facebook network. The Facebook "South Africa" network currently has over 87 000 members - up from 35 000 in May. When a user registers on the site, they are given a blank profile page which they can update with their personal information and are encouraged to join a network. Members can then search the site for their friends and link up to each other, re-creating their social circle on the internet.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
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