Creating Community Online

Abstract

Student usage of online social networks (OSNs) has become prominent in the lives and experiences of today's college students. While not every student may be actively using OSNs, everybody knows about them and most are avid users. Despite the potential drawbacks focused on in the news media, students continue to use these online communities. The overarching research questionfor this study is: What are the effects of online social networking communities on the experiences of college students? In looking at this phenomenon from the students' perspective, it is apparent that students have a comprehensive understanding of drawbacks with regards to OSNs. Most students believe that limited interaction with and presence of their universities within OSNs would be acceptable or tolerable. In many cases, students welcomed the university presence as an opportunity for universities to be more aware of the student culture on campus and for universities to educate them about how to be safe and smart in their online activities. By understanding students' perceptions of the uses of OSNs, the benefits and drawbacks of OSNs, and the level of involvement that university staff and administrators should have within OSNs, student affairs practitioners can be more supportive of student participation in these networks, and through that, enhanve student engagement with the university.