An investigation of social media and e-publishing usage among Jordanian University students

Abstract

The study reported in this chapter investigated social networking sites (SNS) and e-publishing usage among undergraduate students at the University of Jordan. For this purpose, a 25-item questionnaire was developed, piloted and then administered to a sample of 240 respondents in the faculties of foreign languages and information technology. The questionnaire investigated three major issues: the extent of SNS usage such as Facebook and Twitter; e-publishing usage such as blogs, e-books, e-journals, online newspapers, and digital library; and finally the dangers or fears associated with SNS usage. Results indicated a widespread usage of SNS and a strong attachment to the SNS in general such as Facebook and to less popular ones such as Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, generally used to connect people from near and far. The respondents emphasized SNS as a means of socialization more than a learning medium, so sharing and exchanging information was the norm and e-publishing such as blogs, e-books, e-journals, online newspapers, and digital library usage was relegated to a minor position. This is reflected in the small percentages which these e-publishing aspects received in comparison with the high percentages SNS received as a means of recreation and socialization. As to the fears and dangers arising from the usage of SNS, they were reported to be similar to those encountered or expressed by users of different background nationalities, where a number of dangers were listed, the most important of which are lack of privacy, security risks, and identity theft.