IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES AMONG STUDENTS

IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES AMONG STUDENTS AT VIMALA COLLEGE,THRISSUR-KERALA

1. IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES AMONG STUDENTS
AT VIMALA COLLEGE THRISSUR
PROJECT REPORT
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement
For the award of degree in
BACHELOR OF COMMERCE
UNIVERSITY OF CALICUT
BY
AMRUTHA E B
Under the guidance of
Sr. TESEENA P EMMATTY
Assistant Professor

PG DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
VIMALA COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS), THRISSUR
2018

2. CONTENT PAGE
CHAPTERS TITLES PAGE
NO.
1 INTRODUCTION 1-5
1.1 Introduction 1-2
1.2 Significance of the study 3
1.3 Statement of problem 3
1.4 Objectives of the study 3
1.5 Research methodology 3-4
1.6 Scope of the study 4
1.7 Limitations of the study 4
1. 8 Chapter scheme 5
2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE 6-10
2.1 Introduction 6
2.2 Review of literature 6-10
2.3 Conclusion 10
3 DATA ANALYSIS &
INTERPRETATION
11-29
4 FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS &
CONCLUSION
30-38
4.1 Introduction 30
4.2 Findings 30-31
4.3 Suggestions 31
4.4 Conclusion 32
BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDIX

3. LIST OF TABLES
SL NO TITLES PAGE NO.
3.1 Area of respondents 11
3.2 Number of sites in which respondents are member of 12
3.3 Reasons for using online Social network 13
3.4 Familiarity with Social networking sites 14
3.5 Perception of importance of Social networking sites 15
3.6 Most preferred Social networking sites 16
3.7 Types of Social networking sites in which respondents
created personal profile
17
3.8 Sources through which respondents get access to Social
networking sites
18
3.9 Average time spending on Social networking sites 19
3.10 Use of Social networking sites 20
3.11 Number of friends in Social networking sites 21
3.12 Make friendship with strangers 22
3.13 Parents awareness about using Social networking sites 23
3.14 Using for college learning 24
3.15 Effectiveness of privacy policies 25
3.16 (A) Positive impact of Social networking sites 26
3.16 (B) Negative impact of Social networking sites 27
3.17 Overall impact of Social networking sites 29

4. LIST OF CHARTS
SL NO TITLES PAGE
NO.
3.1 Area of respondents 11
3.2 No. of sites in which respondents are member of 12
3.3 Reasons of use of online network 13
3.4 Familiar with social networking sites 14
3.5 Different levels of social networking sites 15
3.6 Different levels of most preferred social networking
sites
16
3.7 Level of personal profile rate 17
3.8 Different sources of social networking sites 18
3.9 Average time spending on social networking sites 19
3.10 Level of use of social networking sites 20
3.11 Number of friends in social networking sites 21
3.12 Different levels of make friendships with strangers 22
3.13 Parents awareness about using social networking
sites
23
3.14 Different levels of use for social networking sites in
college learning
24
3.15 Levels of effectiveness of privacy policies 25
3.16 (A) Positive impact of social networking sites 26
3.16 (B) Negative impact of social networking sites 27
3.17 Overall impact of social networking sites 29

5. CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

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PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Meaning of Social-Networking
The use of internet-based social media programs is to make connections with friends,
family, classmates, customers and clients. Social networking can be done for social
purposes, business purposes or both. The programs show the associations between
individuals and facilitate the acquisition of new contacts. Examples of Social
Networking Sites include Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter, etc.
There has been significant interest and concern about the risks of online social
networking because of access to personal information and the anonymity that the system
allows.
Social Networking Sites are not only popular for providing a platform for chatting,
sharing scraps, videos, pictures etc. but also for discussing social issues.Earlier people
keeping their data private but now they like going public and are viewing wall posts,
status updates, tweets and infact every excited of their lives. In this way, we are
ourselves violating our privacy and liberty at the negotiation of publicizing intimate
details so as to attract hundreds of online readers and even strangers. Now there is a sort
of competition among the youths to pose themselves as most favorite and famous person
on internet. When these social networking sites started, youths got immediately paying
attention towards them as they found it very convenient to develop their social circle,
chat with other teenagers, share their personal photos and see others data too lacking of
any security alert.No hesitation these Social networking sites provide employment,
marketing, personal growth, sharing of information but the most prevalent hazard
through often involves online individuals. One side these sites provide to be in touch
with our dear ones on the other side it creates platform for many cyber crimes. In this
paper, the researcherfocused on the positive as well as negative impact of these social
networking sites on the Indian youth and what are the ethical responsibilities of the users
of these sites.
Social Networking sites are termed as web based services that give an opportunity to
individuals to create their own personal profile with the choice of their own list of users
and thereby connect with them in an altogether public forum that provides them with

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PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur
features such as chatting, blogging, video calling, mobile connectivity and video/photo
sharing. People spend more than usual hours on social networking sites to download
pictures, browse through updates seek entertainment and chat around with friends to
keep themselves connected to one another. These sites have held an addiction to the
youth wherein they find it difficult to concentrate on their work and prefer logging in
and jumping across one site to another. Some have derived benefit out of these sites
whereas some have become academically challenged by the use of these websites.
Individuals have set their own limits as to when and when not to access these websites
but we witness very few out of the lot who does not access or make use of these sites at
all.
In today’s fast moving world, there are so many burning issues around us which we need
to think upon and act, it’s an alarm for us to be aware about the society and current
issues like abuse of human rights, education, unfavorable effects of global warming,
wrong performance of political leaders, crime against women, corruption etc. need to be
discussed openly with the society in an effort to do something about it and bring a
revolution. Social Networking sites provide a platform for discussion on such issues.
One such burning issue that has been unseen in today’s picture is the impact of social
networking sites in the varying attitude of the youth. This research has been conducted
on youths between age group of 18-22 years at Vimala college Thrissur with a view to
know the level of consciousness on the community issues and how far social networking
sites get up today’s youth in expressing their views on present and burning issues like
corruption, human rights, education etc. Study was conducted on 60 people mostly
through personal interaction, and collect questionnaire on various social sites.

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1.2 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study is expedient to apply social networking sites in right direction for youth and
create cognizance among youth that proper use of Social media become a solid tool to
educate, inform and groomed the mentality level of youth social media refine their living
style of public especially for youth. It is also create a responsiveness that how it is
effecting the social life, deteriorate social norm, society standards and ethics of society
and create awareness among youth the aspect of social media.
1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS
Social media offers young people several benefits and opportunities, including access to
information, extended social networks, social skills practice, identity expression,
informal learning opportunities, interest-based groups, development and maintenance of
friendships, and fun. But the problem is that youth today are addicted to Social
networking sites. They are wasting a lot of time infront of these sites and moreover, they
are not able to handle their sites properly. Hence the research aim to study the impact of
social networking sites among youth and to find out most preferred social networking
sites.
1.4 OBJECTIVE OF STUDY
 To identify the most preferred site
 To analyze the impact of social networking sites among youth.
1.5 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The data necessary for the study has been collected from primary and secondary sources.
Descriptive method is used in this study.
Primary data
Primary data are those which are directly collected. In this project, primary data are
collected through questionnaire filled by 60 students at Vimala College. The data for this
project is collected from primary sources.

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PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur
Sample size
Sample size of the project is limited to 60 students at Vimala College Thrissur.
Sampling method
Sampling method used to conduct the study was convenience sampling method which is
a non-probabilistic sampling technique.
Period of the study
The study was conducted for a period of 3 weeks.
Tool for analysis
The data collected through questionnaire were properly tabulated. The tabulated data
have been properly analyzed by using the statistical tool percentage analysis and were
presented using Bar diagrams.
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study seeks to find out the impacts on social networking sites among students at
Vimala College Thrissur. While the study recognizes that impacts of social networking
sites and attitude towards Social networking sites among youth as such this study will
limit itself only to the students in Vimala College.
1.7 LIMITATION OF STUDY
o The study is limited by only UG & PG students of Vimala college, Thrichur
o The duration for project was limited to three weeks.
o The sample size of 60 respondents taken for the study, so the findings of the
study cannot be generalized.

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PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur

1.8 CHAPTER SCHEME
The research work is organized into five chapters.
 The first chapter is the introduction which contains introduction about Social
networking sites, significance of the study, statement of problem, objectives of
the study, research methodology, scope and limitations of the study.
 The second chapter includes the review of literature that contains review by
various authors on their study of Impact of Social networking sites.
 The third chapter is the data analysis and interpretation; this is regarding the
variables, tools etc used to analyze the collected data.
 The fourth chapter comprises of findings, suggestions and conclusion.

11. CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF LITERATURE

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PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur
2.1 INTRODUCTION
The review of empirical studies has been undertaken to observe which areas have been
explored and which need further investigation, in order to formulate the objectives and
undertake productive research. The review has also been undertaken to earmark the
problem areas related to social networking addiction. Besides, these studies would
provide an insight into the various efforts directed towards better understanding of the
complexities of the social networking.
2.2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Neelamalar and Chitra(2009)in their study ‘New Media and Society: A Study of social
networking sites on Indian Youth’ aimed to identify issues regarding youth social
networking usage. Random survey method was conducted and data was analyzed using
percentage analysis. The findings of study showed that 95% of respondents who are
members in one or more social networking sites spend varying amount of time less than
one hour to about 5 hours every day in social networking sites. The awareness of youth
is not only techno savvy and socially active. But they also possess social consciousness.
Shabir,Humeed,Safdar and Gilani(2014) examined ‘the impact of social media on youth:
A case study of Bahawalpur city’ to analyze the influence of social media on youth
social life. Data collected was analyzed in terms of frequency, percentage and mean
score of statements. The finding of the study revealed that excessive users in educational
computer labs use the social media forms for comments, chatting and sharing of image
and video. But the negative images, messages, video links etc are creating negative
influence in the society at minor level.
Arora(2014) presented the paper ‘social networking-A study of Indian youth’ to study
the impact of social networking on the future of our country and percentage analysis was
applied to analyze data. The study concludes that students have access social networking
sites all the time through smart phones and tablets. The realization by the young people
of it being addictive, harmful to physical and mental health can be considered as positive
sign.

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Deshmukh and Tathe(2014) conducted a study titled ‘An impact of social networking
sites on youngsters’ to identify the impact of social networking sites on Indian youth. A
sample of 50 students was selected and percentage analysis was applied to analyze data.
The findings showed that young adults and teenagers are the most avid users of social
networking sites. The research suggested designing a social networking in the family
development sector.
Parvathy and Suchithra (2015) presented a paper on “Impact of Social Networking Sites
on Youth”. In this study they took 100 samples and cumulative percentage analysis used
for analysis. This study pointed out that social networking site has created changes of
character, lose in concentration and spike in psychological disorders. In this study one of
the important positive impact they said that social networking sites has helped the young
students aspirants in connecting with instructors, researches and one of the important
negative impact they said that falling into victim of identity theft. They have also see
how social networking sits improving the creativity of an individual. On the other side
they have also seen how SNS it being misused to defame an individual through various
bullying methods. Also the article brings out the lack of concentration in normal
activities on youth and points out change in behavioral attitude of them. To sum up
every technology has its positives and negatives and people who are using has to extra
cautious in using them and requested only use them for good cause.
Sachdev(2015)presented the paper ‘Impact of Social Networking Sites on the Youth of
India: A Bird’s Eye View’ to find out the answer whether social networking sites are
boon or bane for today’s society. Simple random sampling method was used and
percentage analysis was applied to analyses data. The findings of the research showed
that five key issues at stake in new social networking media are identity, privacy,
ownership and authorship, credibility and participation. On one hand social networking
sites provides way to connect our dear ones and on other side, it gives a platform that
becomes danger for Indian culture.
Arjun and Juna (2015) conducted a ‘Study on the Impact of Social Networking Sites
Among Higher Secondary Students’ to determine the influence of social networking
sites on the study habit of higher secondary students. A sample of 40 students was

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PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur
selected and percentage analysis was applied to analyses data. The findings of the study
showed that a majority of the current higher secondary students have access to the
internet and social networking sites give them a platform to interact with their friends.
Social networking sites surely improve the studying habits of students and also their
social skills.
Arora andOkunbor(2015) in their study ‘Social Networking Addiction: Are the youth of
India and United States Addicted?’ aimed to investigate the daily usage of facebook and
how people interact with social networking sites on a daily basis. Percentage method
was used to analyze data. It was used to analyze data. It was found that both groups of
respondents have access to facebook more than three times. The research concluded that
excessive usage of social networking sites does not seem like a very positive scenario.
Cyber bulling, pseudo self image, body dysmorphicsycdrome are some of the
psychological manifestation of excessive social networking.
Deka(2015) conducted ‘A Study on Impact of Social Media on Educational Efforts in
Gywahati city, Assam’ to highlight the impact of social networking sites on educational
efforts of social networking sites on educational efforts of students. Data collected using
questionnaires was analyzed by applying the tool of percentage analysis. According to
the study students, views on positive impact of social networking sites on education
include technological skill development, source of information etc. the researcher also
suggested that students should act like a ‘good participant’ and should not become ‘an
addict’ of social networking sites.
Khurana (2015) examined ‘The Impact of Social Networking Sites on Youth’ to
determine the usage of specific social networking sites by youth.100 samples were
selected and percentage analysis was applied to selected and percentage analysis was
applied to analyse data. The findings of the study showed that more than 66% of
respondents spend more than 2 hours on social networking sites a day. With reference to
the study, it was evidently figured out that the youth today have set their own limits as to
how and when to use social networking sites irrespective of the positive and negative
effects impacts.

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PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur
Kwane, Wolai and Fynn(2016) conduct a study on “The Impact on Social Media on the
Youth: The Ghanian Perspective”. In this study they took a sample among 200 students
between 15-25 age groups through e-mails, interview on telephone direct and face to
face conversation and uses the ‘uses and gratification theory’. The main objective of this
study is to investigate the extent of social media use and purpose to access and impact of
its use by the young people in Ghana. This study reveals that prolonged use of social
media leads to reduced time spend on school-work and procrastination in completing
assignments especially in the tertiary institution. It also reveals that the youth must be
educate on better usage of social so as to minimize time wastage on chatting and other
irrelevant engagements that are not of major importance of their lives.
Muhammad, Abdullah and Azmi(2016) examined ‘The Negative Impact of Technology
on Social Networking among Students At UTM students Skudai’ to understand the
impact of social media on UTM students. 70 samples were selected and simple
percentage method was used to analyze. The results showed that majority of the
respondents use the internet more than 15 hours a day. The researcher has found that
isolation, obesity, depression and the negative impacts of addictive usage of social
media.
Sinha, Yadav and Kanodia (2016) conducted a study titled ‘Social Media Positive Vs
Negative Effect on Young Generation’ to compare the negative and positive effect of
social media on youth. Percentage analysis applied to analyze data. The researcher
identified that speedy communication is the main positive impact of social networking
sites and its negative impact is that it leads to addiction.
Markwei and Appias(2016) examined the ‘Impact of Social Media on Ghanaian youth:
A case study of the Nima and Maamobi communities in Accrai, Ghana’ to understand
the extent of use of social media by the youth of Nima and Maamobi. Convenience
sampling was adopted and percentage analysis was applied to analyse data. The findings
of the study showed that social media is popular among the participants with over 70%
having profiles on social networking sites, especially facebook and whatsapp. The study
that need the young people need to have a greater awareness of the risks of using social

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PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur
networking sites and also recommended for nationwide education of youth in Ghana
about responsible use of social media.
Christofferson (2016) conducted a study titled ‘How is Social Networking Sites
Effecting Teen’s Social and Emotional Development: A Systemic Review’ to
understand how social networking sites effect our teenagers’ social and emotional
development. The data collected was analyzed by applying the tool of percentage
analysis. The study showed that how youth use social networking sites, build culture in
these online communities and perform communication behaviors that are liked to
teenager’s social and emotional development when it comes to the use of social
networking sites.
2.3 CONCLUSION
The Social Networking Sites can be used as weapon or as a stepping stone depending on
how one views it. As we know our early adulthood is an important period. If they have a
good study habit and various social skills then that will make those assets more valuable
and useful. Anyway we should focus on the ethical use of these SNS so that it can serve
our society in a right way and youth can play an important role because SNS is a boob
and curse both for the Indian society.
The review of the available literature reveals that studies have included various aspects
of social networking sites among youth or students including positives of social media
Usage, also its negatives; implications and impact of Social Networking addiction. In
addition to the studies, also included are the professional opinions of the psychiatrists
and psychologists regarding the influx of social networking addiction cases.

17. CHAPTER 3
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

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DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
Collected data is analyzed and interpreted in this chapter. Simple percentage method is
used for interpreting the data. Each question in the questionnaire is interpreted in this
chapter.

TABLE 3.1 AREA OF RESPONDENTS
Area of
residence
Frequency Percentage
Rural 35 58.33%
Urban 25 41.67%
Total 60 100%
Source: Primary data
GRAPH 3.1 AREA OF RESPONDENTS

INTERPRETATION
Table3.1 shows that 58.33% of respondents live in rural areas and 41.67% of
respondents live in urban areas. Thus majority of the respondents in this study live in
rural areas.


58.33%
41.67%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Rural Urban
Percentage
Rural
Urban

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TABLE 3.2 NUMBER OF SITES IN WHICH RESPONDENTS ARE MEMBER
OF
No. of sites in which
respondents are
member of
Frequency Percentage
1-5 53 88.33
6-10 6 10
11-15 0 0
More than 15 1 1.67
Total 60 100
Source: Primary data
GRAPH 3.2 NUMBER OF SITES IN WHICH RESPONDENTS ARE MEMBER
OF

INTERPRETATION
Table 3.2 shows that 88.33% of respondents are members in not more than 5 social
networking sites and 10% are members in 6 to 10 social networking sites. No
respondents are members in 11 to 15 social networking sites but 1% of respondents are
members in more than 15 social networking sites. Thus, majority of respondents are
members in not more than 5 social networking sites

88.33%
10%
0% 1.67%
0
20
40
60
80
100
1-5 6-10 11-15 More than 15
1-5
6-10
11-15
More than 15

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TABLE 3.3 REASONS FOR USING ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORK
Statements Frequency percentage
To find information 42 70
To keep in touch with family
and friends
53 88.33
To make new friends 17 28.33
To get opinions 10 16.67
To share
videos/pictures/music
33 55
To share your experience 14 23.33
Entertainment purpose 33 55
Source: Primary data
GRAPH 3.3 REASONS OF USE OF ONLINE NETWORK
INTERPRETATION
Table 3.3 shows that according to 70% of respondents the reason for usage of social
networking sites is to find information, for 88.3% of respondents, it’s to keep in touch
with family & friends, for 28.33%, it’s to make new friends, for 16.67% it’s to get
opinions, 55% it’s to share videos or pictures and movies, for 23.33% it’s to share
70%
88.33%
28.33
16.67
55
23.33
55
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
To find information
To keep in touch with
family and friends
To make new friends
To get opinions
To share
videos/pictures/music
To share your experience
Entertainment purpose

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PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur
experiences and for 55% it’s to entertain themselves. Thus, majority of respondents
reply that the reason for usage of social networking sites is to keep in touch with family
& friends.
TABLE 3.4 FAMILIARITY WITH SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
Familiarity with
social networking
sites
Frequency Percentage
Expert 5 8.33
Comfortable 48 80
Novice 3 5
Not familiar at all 4 6.67
Total 60 100
Source: Primary data
GRAPH 3.4 FAMILIAR WITH SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

INTERPRETATION
Table 3.4 shows that8.33% of respondents are experts in using social networking sites,
80% are comfortable, 5% are novice and 4% are not familiar at all with the usage of
social networking sites. Thus majority of respondents are comfortable in using social
networking sites.
8.33%
80%
5% 6.67%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Expert Comfortable Novice Not familiar
at all
Expert
Comfortable
Novice
Not familiar at all

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PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur
TABLE 3.5 PERCEPTION OF IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING
SITES
Perception of
importance of social
networking sites
Frequency percentage
Yes 34 56.67
Sometimes 26 43.33
No 0 0
Total 60 100
Source: Primary data
GRAPH 3.5 DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES


INTERPRETATION
Table 3.5 shows that 56.67% respondents think that social networking sites are
important, 43.33% think that social networking sites are sometimes important and no
respondents think that social networking sites are not important. Thus, majority of
respondents think that social networking sites are important.

56.67%
43.33%
0%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Yes Sometimes No
Yes
Sometimes
No

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PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur
TABLE 3.6 MOST PREFERRED SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
Most preferred social
networking sites
Frequency Percentage
Facebook 14 23.33
Whatsapp 34 56.67
E-mail 4 6.67
Instagram 6 10
IMO 2 3.33
Total 60 100
Source: Primary data
GRAPH 3.6 DIFFERENT LEVELS OF MOST PREFERRED SOCIAL
NETWORKING SITES

INTERPRETATION
Table 3.6 shows that 23.33% of respondents prefer facebook, 56.67% prefer whatsapp,
6.67% prefer E-mail, 10% prefer instagram and 3.33% prefer IMO the most. Thus
majority of respondents prefer whatsapp the most.


23.33%
56.67%
6.67%
10%
3.33%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Facebook Whatsapp E-mail Instagram IMO
Facebook
Whatsapp
E-mail
Instagram
IMO

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PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur
TABLE 3.7 TYPES OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES IN WHICH
RESPONDENTS CREATED PERSONAL
Types Frequency Percentage
Facebook 39 21.19
Whatsapp 52 28.26
Twitter 6 3.3
E-mail 50 27
Instagram 20 10.9
Hike 8 4.35
Others 9 5
Source: Primary data
GRAPH 3.7 LEVEL OF PERSONAL PROFILE RATE

INTERPRTATION
Table 3.7 shows that 21.19% of respondents created personal profile in
facebook,28.26% in whatsapp, 3.3% in twitter, 27% in E-mail, 10.9% in instagram,
4.35% in hike and 5% in other social networking sites. Thus, majority of respondents
created personal profile in whatsapp followed by E-mail.

21.19%
28.26%
3.3%
27%
10.9%
4.35%
5%
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Facebook
Whatsapp
Twitter
E-mail
Instagram
Hike
Others

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TABLE 3.8 SOURCES THROUGH WHICH RESPONDENTS GET ACCESS TO
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
Accessibility
sources
Frequency Percentage
PC 5 8.33
Laptop 18 30
Smartphone 53 88.33
Ipod/Ipad 3 5
Others 2 3.33
Source: Primary data
GRAPH 3.8 DIFFERENT SOURCES OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

INTERPRETATION
Table 3.8 shows that 8.33% of respondents use PC, 30% use laptop, 88.33% use smart
phone, 5% use i-pad and 3.33% use other devices to get access to social networking
sites.Thus, majority of respondents use smart phones to get access to social networking
sites.


8.33%
30%
88.33%
5% 3.33%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
PC Laptop Smartphone Ipod/Ipad Others
PC
Laptop
Smartphone
Ipod/Ipad
Others

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PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur
TABLE 3.9 AVERAGE TIME SPENDING ON SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
Avg.Time Frequency Percentage
Less than 1 hour 23 38.34
1-5 Hours 33 55
5-10 Hours 2 3.33
Morethan 10
Hours
2
3.33
Total 60 100
Source: Primary data
GRAPH 3.9 AVERAGE TIME SPENDING ON SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

INTERPRETATION
Table 3.9 shows that 38.34% of respondents spend less than 1 hour in social networking
sites daily. 55% spend 1 to 5 hours, 3.33% 5 to 10 hours and 3.33% spend more than 10
hours daily in social networking sites. Thus, majority of respondents spend less than one
hour daily in social networking sites.


38.34%
55%
3.33% 3.33%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Less than 1
hour
1-5 Hours 5-10 Hours Morethan 10
Hours
Less than 1 hour
1-5 Hours
5-10 Hours
Morethan 10 Hours

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TABLE 3.10 USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
Years Frequency Percentage
Less 1 year 13 21.67
1-5 Years 39 65
5-10 Years 7 11.67
More than 10 years 1 1.66
Total 60 100
Source: Primary data
GRAPH 3.10 LEVEL OF USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

INTERPRETATION
Table 3.10 shows that 21.67% of respondents are using social networking sites for a
period less than 1 year, 65% for 1 to 5 years, 11.67% for 5 to 10 years and 1.66% for a
period more than 10 years. Thus, majority of respondents are using social networking
sites for a period between 5 to 10 years.



21.67%
65%
11.67%
1.66%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Less 1 year 1-5 Years 5-10 Years More than 10
years
Less 1 year
1-5 Years
5-10 Years
More than 10 years

28. 21

PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur

TABLE 3.11 NUMBER OF FRIENDS IN SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
No of Friends Frequency Percentage
Less than 100 30 50
100-500 23 38.33
500-1000 7 11.67
Total 60 100
Source: Primary data

GRAPH 3.11NUMBER OF FRIENDS IN SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

INTERPRETATION
Table 3.11 shows that 50% of respondents have less than 100 friends in social
networking sites. 38.33% have 100 to 500 friends and 11.67% have 500 to 1000 friends
in social networking sites. Thus, majority of respondents have less than 100 friends in
social networking sites.



50%
38.33%
11.67%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Lessthan 100 100-500 500-1000
Lessthan 100
100-500
500-1000

29. 22

PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur

TABLE 3.12 MAKE FRIENDSHIPS WITH STRANGERS
Options Frequency Percentage
Yes 3 5
Sometimes 18 30
No 39 65
Total 60 100
Source: Primary data
GRAPH 3.12 DIFFERENT LEVELS OF MAKE FRIENDSHIPS WITH
STRANGERS

INTERPRETATION
Table 3.12 shows that 5% of respondents make friendships with strangers, 30%
sometimes make friendships with strangers and 65% do not make friendships with
strangers in social networking sites. Thus, majority of respondents didn’t made
friendships with strangers in social networking sites.



5%
30%
65%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Yes Sometimes No
Yes
Sometimes
No

30. 23

PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur
TABLE 3.13 PARENTS AWARENESS ABOUT USING SOCIAL
NETWORKING SITES
Options Percentage Percentage
Yes 49 81.67
Sometimes 8 13.33
No 3 5
Total 60 100
Source: Primary data
GRAPH 3.13 PARENTS AWARENESS ABOUT USING SOCIAL
NETWORKING SITES

INTERPRETATION
Table 3.13 shows that 81.67% of respondents’ parents are aware, 13.33% are not aware
and 5% are sometimes aware about their use of social networking sites. Thus, majority
of respondents’ parents are aware about their usage of social networking sites



81.67%
13.33%
5%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Yes Sometimes No
Yes
Sometimes
No

31. 24

PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur
TABLE 3.14 USING FOR COLLEGE LEARNING
Options Frequency Percentage
Yes 18 30
Sometimes 32 53.33
No 10 16.67
Total 60 100
Source: Primary data
GRAPH3.14 DIFFERENT LEVELS OFUSE FOR SOCIAL NETWORKING
SITES IN COLLEGE LEARNING

INTERPRETATION
Table 3.14 shows that 30% of respondents are using social networking technology for
learning in college, 53.33% are sometimes using it and 16.67% are not using it for
learning in college. Thus, majority of respondents are sometimes using social
networking technology for learning in college.




30%
53.33%
16.67%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Yes Sometimes No
Yes
Sometimes
No

32. 25

PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur
TABLE 3.15 EFFECTIVENESS OF PRIACY POLICIES
Effectiveness Frequency Percentage
Yes 32 53.33
Sometimes 23 38.33
No 5 8.34
Total 60 100
Source: Primary data
GRAPH 3.15 LEVELS OF EFFECTIVENESS OF PRIACY POLICIES

INTERPRETATION
Table 3.15 shows that 53.33% of respondents think that privacy policies of social
networking sites are useful, 38.33% think that they are sometimes useful and 8.34%
think that they are not useful. Thus, majority of respondents (53.33%) think that privacy
policies of social networking sites are useful.



53.33%
38.33%
8.34%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Yes Sometimes No
Yes
Sometimes
No

33. 26

PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur
TABLE 3.16 LEVEL OF SATISFACTION TOWARDS IMPACT OF SOCIAL
NETWORKING SITES
TABLE 3.16(A) POSITIVE IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
Positive Impacts SA A N D SD
Character formation 23.33 43.33 11.66 28.33 11.67
Platform to express views
on current issues
43.33 55 1.67 0 0
Develop attitude 11.66 41.67 41.67 5 0
Facilitate learning and work
oppurtunities
28.33 46.67 21.67 3.33 0
Increases knowledge 11.67 55 28.33 3.33 1.67
Source: Primary data
GRAPH 3.16(A) POSITIVE IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

INTERPRETATION
Table 3.16(A) shows that:
 Majority of respondents (56.67%) agreed that social networking sites have
impact on character formation of youth.
23.33
43.33
11.66
28.33
11.67
56.67
55
41.67
46.67
55
15
1.67
21.67
28.33
3.33
0
5
3.33 3.33
1.67
0 0 0
1.67
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Character
formation of yoth
Platform to
express and
views on current
issues
Develop attitude Facilitate
learning and
work
oppurtunities
Increases
knowledge
SA
A
N
D
SD

34. 27

PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur
 Majority of respondents (55%) agreed that social networking sites provide a
platform to express their views on current issues.
 41.67% agreed that social networking sites develop attitude of the youth. But
another 41.67% disagreed with this statement.
 Most of the respondents (46.67%) agreed that social networking sites facilitate
learning and work oppurtunities
 Majority of respondents (55%) agreed that social networking sites increase
knowledge of youth.
TABLE 3.16 (B) NEGATIVE IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
Negative Impacts SA A N D SD
Waste of time 38.33 38.33 20 3.34 0
Increase in cyber crimes 38.33 40 18.33 3.34 0
Severe addiction 45 31.67 21.67 1.66 0
Avenue for predators to
find victims
21.67 45 33.33 0 0
Source: Primary data
GRAPH 3.16(B) NEGATIVE IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES


38.33
38.33
45
21.67
40
31.37
45
20
18.33
21.67
33.33
3.34
3.34 1.66
0
20
0 0 0
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Waste of time Increase in
cyber crimes
Severe addiction Avenue for
predators to find
victims
SA
A
N
D
SD

35. 28

PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur


INTERPRETATION
 38.33% of respondents strongly agreed that youth waste a lot of time infront of
social networking sites and another 38.33% agreed with this statement.
 Majority of respondents (40%) agreed that social networking sites lead to
increase in cyber crimes.
 Most of respondents (45%) strongly agreed that social networking sites lead to
severe addiction and losage of track of time.
 Majority of respondents (45%) agreed that social networking sites serves as an
avenue for predators to find victims.

TABLE 3.17 OVERALL IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

Impact Frequency percentage
Positive Impact 10 16.67
Negative Impact 3 5
Both 42 70
No opinion 5 8.33
Total 60 100
Source: Primary data

36. 29

PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur

GRAPH 3.17 OVERALL IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

INTERPRETATION
Table 3.17 shows that 16.67% of respondents think that social networking sites have
positive impact, 5% think that social networking sites have negative impact and 70%
think that social networking sites have both positive and negative impact on youth. But
8.33% respondents have no opinion about this statement.






16.67%
5%
70%
8.33%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Positive
Impact
Negative
Impact
Both No opinion
Positive Impact
Negative Impact
Both
No opinion

37. CHAPTER 4
FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION

38. 30

PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur

4.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter includes findings, suggestions and conclusion. These are made on the basis
of data analysis and interpretation. Findings include the results obtained after analyzing
data. A few suggestions are also included in this chapter. At last, a brief conclusion of
the project is also included in this chapter.
4.2 FINDINGS
 Majority of respondents (58.33%) live in rural areas.
 Majority of respondents are members in not more than 5 social networking sites.
 Majority of respondents (88.3%) opinioned that the reason for usage of social
networking sites is to keep in touch with family & friends.
 Majority of the respondents (80%) are comfortable with the use of social
networking sites.
 Majority of respondents (56.67%) think that social networking sites are
important.
 Majority of respondents (56.67%) prefer whats app the most.
 Majority of respondents (28.26%) created personal profile in whats app.
 The researcher has found that majority of respondents (88.33%) get access to
social networking sites using smart phones.
 Majority of respondents (38.34%) spend less than one hour daily in social
networking sites.
 The researcher has identified that majority of respondents (65%) are using social
networking sites for a period not more than 5 years.
 Majority of respondents (50%) have less than 100 friends in social networking
sites.
 The research proved that majority of respondents (60%) didn’t made friendship
with strangers in social networking sites.
 Majority of respondents’ (81.67%) parents are aware about their usage of social
networking sites.

39. 31

PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur
 Majority of respondents (53.33%) are sometimes using social networking
technology for learning in colleges.

 Majority of respondents (53.33%) think that privacy policies of social
networking sites are useful.

 Majority of respondents (55%) agreed that social networking sites provide a
platform to express their views on current issues.
 41.67% agreed that social networking sites develop attitude of the youth. But
another 41.67% disagreed with this statement.
 Most of the respondents (46.67%) agreed that social networking sites facilitate
learning and work oppurtunities
 Majority of respondents (55%) agreed that social networking sites increase
knowledge of youth.
 Majority of respondents (56.67%) agreed that social networking sites have
impact on character formation of youth.
 38.33% of respondents strongly agreed that youth waste a lot of time infront of
social networking sites and another 38.33% agreed with this statement.
 Majority of respondents (40%) agreed that social networking sites lead to
increase in cyber crimes.
 Most of respondents (45%) strongly agreed that social networking sites lead to
severe addiction and losage of track of time.
 Majority of respondents (45%) agreed that social networking sites serves as an
avenue for predators to find victims.
 Majority of respondents (70%) think that social networking sites have both
positive and negative impact on youth.
4.3 SUGESSTIONS
 Students should not waste too much time infront of social networking sites
 Students should not accept friendship with strangers
 Social networking sites should improve their effectiveness of privacy policies

40. 32

PG Department of Commerce Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur

4.4CONCLUSION
Social networking sites is the integration of digital media including combinations of
electronic texts, graphics, moving images and sound into a structured computerized
environment that allows people to interact with the data for appropriate purposes. The
study is conducted to know about the impact of social networking sites among the
students at Vimala College Thrissur. From this study, we can conclude that social
networking sites have both positive as well as negative impact on the youth. Even
though social networking sites increases knowledge, develops attitude and helps in
character formation, they lead to cyber crimes, severe addiction and serves as an avenue
for predators to find victims. Thus youth must be very careful while using social
networking sites. They should not accept friendship with strangers in social networking
sites. Moreover, social networking sites should improve their effectiveness of
privacypolicies.

41. APPENDIX

42. QUESTIONNAIRE
IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES AMONG STUDENTS
AT VIMALA COLLEGE THRISSUR
PART –A
1. Name (optional) :
2. Age :
3. Area of residence : Rural Urban
PART-B
4. How many social networking sites communities/groups are you member of?
1-5 6-10 11-15 More than 15
5. Why do you use an online social network? (You can choose more than one option)
To find information To keep in touch with family and friends To make new
friends To get opinions To share videos/pictures/music To share your
experience Entertainment purpose
List any other reason
6. How familiar are you with social networking sites?
Expert Comfortable Novice Not familiar at all
7. Do you think social networks are important?
Yes Sometimes No
8. Which social network you prefer the most?

43. 9. Please select all social networks for which you have created a personal profile (You
can choose more than one)
Facebook Whatsapp Twitter Email Instagram Hike
Others

10. How do you access your social network account?

PC Laptop Smartphone iPod/iPod Others
11. On average, how much time do you spend daily on social networking sites?
Less than 1 hour 1-5 hours 5-10 hours More than 10 hours
12. How long have been using social networking sites?
Less than 1 year 1-5 years 5-10 years More than 10 years
13. How many friends do you have on the social networking sites?
Less than 100 100-500 500-1000
14. Do you accept strangers who try to make friendship with you in social networking
sites?
Yes Sometimes No
15. Are your parents aware of your social networking activities?
Yes Sometimes No
16. Are you using social networking technology for learning in colleges?
Yes Sometimes No
17. Do you think privacy policies are effective in social networking sites?
Yes Sometimes No

44. 18. Express your level of satisfaction towards the impact of social networking sites

(A) Positive impact of social networking sites
Strongly
Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Disagree
Social networking sites have impact
on character formation of youth

Social networking sites provide a
platform to express their opinions
and views on current issues

Social networking sites develop
attitude of youth

Social networking sites increases
the knowledge of youth

Social networking sites facilitates
opportunities for learning and work

45. (B) Negative impact of social networking sites
Strongly
Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Disagree
Youth waste a lot of time infront
of social networking sites

Social networking sites lead to
increase in cyber crimes

Social networking sites may cause
people to lose track of time and
even become severely addicted, to
its use

Social networking sites can be
served as an avenue for predators
to find victims


19. Mention your overall opinion about impact of social networking sites on youth?
Positive impact Negative impact Both No opinion

THANK YOU

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WEBSITES
 www.wikkipedia.com
 www.researchgate.net