Attitudes Towards Facebook Among Adults Over 35

Breanna Wethey

COMM390 Sawyer

Introduction:

Facebook is one of the most popular forms of social media in today’s society and usage is

increasing every year. The age group that uses Facebook the most is generally teenagers and

undergraduate college students. The broad majority of the research that has been conducted on

Facebook use and the attitudes toward it has been with the undergraduate age group. The purpose

of this study is to gain more insight about how adults over the age of 35 communicate using

Facebook and their attitudes the concept. The question I am posing for this study is how do

people over the age of 35 express themselves and communicate on social media, specifically

Facebook and what is their opinion about its functions?

Literature Review:

With the increasing popularity of social media as a communication, there are many recent

studies around uses and effects of social media. With the dramatic spike of Facebook users over

the past 10 years, there has been an increasing number of studies conducted regarding this

interface specifically, especially being that is the most popular one. This is important to study

because Facebook and other social networking sites are revolutionary to humankind in the way

they aid us in keeping in touch with others so easily, as well as allowing sharing of ideas to the

world. Not to mention Facebook is filled with entertainment and an endless amount of things to

learn. Most research that I found in the field of social networking was conducted upon

undergraduate students 18 and up, which makes sense because they are the most prominent

subgroup appearing on Facebook. I was somewhat surprised to find that there was a very limited

amount of literature surrounding older adult Facebook users. We now have a good idea of why

we use Facebook and what we users get out of it in general, but what is in need for a lot more

research in the future is that of older Facebook users (Bazarova & Choi, 2014; Chakraborty et al.

2013; Ellison et al., 2011; Gomes et al., 2014; Hayes et al., 2015; High et al., 2014; Ledbetter et

al., 2010; Smock et al., 2011; Sosika,& Bazarova, 2014; Vošner et al., 2016).

Theme 1: Motivations for using Facebook as communication

To many, Facebook is a place of self-disclosure and self-validation, building and

maintaining relationships with friends and family, and even just having fun during spare time.

There are a wide range of features and functions incorporated within Facebook to meet the needs

of many different types of people with different types of motives. Research on uses and

gratifications of Facebook tell us that users’ various motivations for using Facebook give reason

to which features they use, such as status updates and wall posts, or Facebook instant messenger

(Smock et al., 2011). Facebook is also a place people feel like they can share information about

themselves and their beliefs, but generally, people are concerned about sharing too much private

information and are more likely to self-disclose privately over the Facebook instant messenger

(Bazarova & Choi, 2014). People feel generally open and welcome when it comes to Facebook,

and according to research, Women especially as well as people who feel community on

Facebook are more likely to provide personal support in response to emotional situations (High

et al., 2014). People also like to use Facebook to feel closer to their friends, conveniently

maintain relationships with friends and family, and even meet new people. Research shows, and

many people can attest that Facebook use has a direct effect on relational closeness (Ledbetter et

al., 2010).

Theme 2: Relational and Psychological Outcomes of Facebook use

Unfortunately, “little is known about how different age groups use Facebook, and

whether use is associated with improved or diminished well-being” (Hayes et al., 2015), but it

has been shown that in general, Facebook enabled communication practices provide relational

maintenance and relational escalation, benefitting both online and offline relationships, although

the psychological effects of Facebook use can at times be negative. A main beneficial outcome to

Facebook, relational maintenance and escalation, is associated with consistent or frequent use,

and just like how it is offline, relationships go through very gradual change (Sosika & Bazarova,

2014). I agree that “Facebook serves as a social lubricant, encouraging individuals to convert

latent to weak ties and enabling them to broadcast requests for support or information” (Ellison

et al., 2011). As far as psychological effect in terms of different generation, younger people are

more emotionally impacted by Facebook use because of the fact that they use it more and are

more likely to experience negative body image (Hayes et al., 2015).

Theme 3: Behaviors of older Facebook users

Use of Facebook among older adults is similar to the way younger people use it in that

they feel more comfortable sharing information or photos if they see their friends sharing their

photos or location, and they use Facebook to prevent loneliness and to maintain relationships, but

the difference is that they use it significantly less frequently, and they are more apprehensive

because of privacy reasons and difficulty with interface navigation. Since seniors and older

adults have increasingly adopted the use of Facebook, “there have been concerns about risky

issues regarding privacy leakages and information sharing hazards. Such risks are partially due to

the fact that seniors [and sometimes older adults] (knowingly or unknowingly) share private

information that may be misused by others” (Chakraborty et al., 2013). Older adults, especially

seniors, are more likely to want to use Skype for staying in touch with friends and family, but

they still benefit from Facebook because they can feel closer to many friends and family

members at their convenience and have fun while doing it (Vošner et al., 2016). For these

reasons, I believe that older adults should (and inevitably will over time) become more

acquainted with Facebook, and as one study suggests, I also believe Facebook should create an

interface that caters specifically to making social media communication more accessible and

easy for seniors (Gomes et al., 2014).

As more and more people create a Facebook account, many older adults and seniors have

jumped on board, but since they didn’t grow up with anything like social media, they have a bit

of a different approach and attitude toward Facebook. Older adults like the idea of this new

technology for communicating because they feel less lonely and more connected to their friends

and family, but a far as social media goes, they are currently more likely to use Skype than

Facebook for communicating with loved ones. They do feel a bit apprehensive according to

research and have a harder time working around the Facebook interface so they believe they

could be more prone to privacy issues. The general psychological effect of Facebook across

generations is similar and has positives and negatives, but this subtopic could also use more

research. The subject of Facebook and its uses and effects, especially concerning older adults, is

in need of much more dimensional research, but for now, it can be concluded that our older

generation could truly benefit from the ease of communication if they were able to become better

accustomed to it as a whole and their use gained more acceptance and accommodation in society.

Methods

In collecting data to gain further insight about my subject, I researched literature,

distributed surveys to five adults over 35 years of age that use Facebook, and conducted

qualitative interviews for three Facebook users of the same demographic, which included both

men and women. Using the qualitative method for research is very important, especially for this

subject because interviewees can tell their stories and experiences and the information is

genuine. I feel that with this method I am able to learn the most about the way people think and

communicate, and I gain insight into the way they go through life and experience things. The

qualitative research strategy I used for the interviews is considered ethnographic, critical, and

interpretive. I was immersed in the field and was able to interpret the information they were

giving me to add to my study. In addition, I used a guide as opposed to a schedule so the

interviews were more conversational and comfortable; I was able to probe and follow-up to gain

more knowledge and the interviews were free flowing and a bit more spontaneous than a

schedule format. I used convenience to collect my data because I surveyed and interviewed my

friends and family.

I believe my role during these interviews was more of a passive listener so that I could

take in as much as possible. My questions were open-ended which really gave the interviewee a

chance to share as much as they wanted. Although I took more of a backseat position, I still used

probes to keep the conversation going and follow-ups to make them feel more comfortable. I also

added in some information when needed to inform the interviewee, and keep it seeming a bit like

a conversation as opposed to solely asking question after question.

Results/ Findings:

This study was conducted to find out more about the perspective and use of Facebook as

communication among older adults. After surveying and interviewing Facebook users over 35, I

found that they are generally pleased with Facebook and view it as a convenient and practical

way to communicate with others, despite some negative aspects. Participants in the survey are a

combination of both men and women over 35 years of age (35-59) who use Facebook at least

two times a week. The older the participant, the less frequent he or she logs onto Facebook, but

they all view Facebook as a very useful tool for communicating with ease and connecting to the

world. Participants share, comment, like, and use Facebook’s instant messenger, but none

participate in Facebook games. My findings show that some older adults like to be active on

Facebook; one participant found it crucial to social life. But the majority are passive users and

have not become particularly familiar with it. Most participants use other forms of

communicating, both online and offline, more often than Facebook.

After interviewing three older Facebook users, two men and one woman, I found that

they don’t find Facebook crucial by any means, but it is practical and convenient communication

that has a few imbedded negative aspects that effect our youth, security, and society. Reviewing

the interviews collectively, I found that older Facebook users are more inclined to view their

Facebook feed and be passive when it comes to public Facebook activity, and use the platform

more for practical communication. When asked about the meaning or value of Facebook,

interviewees said that it is great to keep in touch with friends and family and stay easily

connected to the world. “I think it’s very important because it gives me kind of an opening to the

outside world… friends and people that I haven’t talked to in a long time” (K, 2016). They also

mentioned that they do not post content much at all. “I like looking at stuff on my feed but I only

post once every other week or so” (J, 2016).

During the interviews, I also found that older Facebook users view Facebook as

beneficial, but do not log on very frequently. Interviewee statements suggest that although it is a

revolutionary method of communication, Facebook is not of high importance in everyday life.

Older users have gotten along without it for most of their lives. “I think you get such a different

view from people that have grown up with it. They might have a lot more to say because it’s

such a big part of their lives. I just got one for fun. And it became beneficial” (J, 2016).

Interviewee statements show that older adults are aware of the negative aspects that come

with the mass use of Facebook. Interviewees expressed negatives to Facebook include people

posting negative or annoying and very opinionated content. An interview participant said, “I

know people can have strong opinions and likes and dislikes about things and I mean that’s okay,

that’s their prerogative, but there have just been some things that I’ve read and seen that are

negative and not very enjoyable” (K, 2016). Another negative expressed was that a lot of

personal information is open to the public. “Facebook is like a book open to the entire world, and

I suppose that could be dangerous sometimes” (S, 2016). Another bad aspect of Facebook

acknowledged by my interviewees was that it is potentially unhealthy for the young generation

becoming obsessed with social media because it is very easy to waste time and makes us less

inclined to have face-to-face interaction. “It’s made the world closer together and a smaller place

in general. But it could decrease socialization as far as face-to-face interaction goes” (J, 2016).

Mentioned by another interviewee, “this generation will not be able to deal with other people

face to face the same, like my generation did, meaning being able to go out and have coffee and

actually have a conversation, instead of just looking at their phones the entire time they’re

hanging out” (S, 2016).

Based on my findings, I can conclude that older adults that have Facebook are generally

happy with the way things operate on Facebook and the outcomes that arise, although they still

express negatives about the effect it is having on our minds and society. Older adults are not as

familiar with Facebook and social media because it is a new concept that they did not grow up

with and hence, do not feel the need to use it daily.

Ethical issues/ Significance:

I don’t believe there have been any significant ethical issues that I’ve had to come across

during my research, although I did feel uncomfortable at times asking the age of my participants.

Some might have felt a little bit uncomfortable to disclose this information, but participants over

35 were the basis of my research. To be less potentially offensive to my participants, I lowered

the age of my participant minimum from 50 to 35. The only other ethical issue I might have

encountered would be unintentionally pressuring people to answer personal questions, or

unintentionally invading their privacy. I believe that giving the introduction and asking

permission of my participants as well as giving them the opportunity to stop at any time was

intended to alleviate the discomfort they may have felt in answering questions.

Facebook and other social media has become increasingly important and popular among

people all around the world. It is becoming part of our society and a main method that many of

us use to communicate. The group of people that use Facebook significantly the most are people

in their twenties and teens. For my literary review, I found that the majority of research done on

social media communication and Facebook use has been conducted using participants that are

undergraduate college students. This will get the most data because it is very common for this

age group to have Facebook, but the research that is significantly lacking is that of older

Facebook users. It is more uncommon for people over 35 to be active on Facebook, but over the

past ten years, the number of older users has drastically increased. Although they did not grow

up with this sort of technology, people over 35 and even elderly people are becoming more

acquainted with Facebook and beginning to realize the tremendous benefit that can be taken from

it. I believe more research should be conducted regarding attitudes, opinions, and current use of

Facebook among older adults so that social media can include them and our society can further

cater to their needs and accept them more widely.

My research has told me that Facebook users over 35 are being introduced more and

more to Facebook and are enjoying the benefits that have come out of it. The older the

participant was, the less frequent they log onto Facebook. They all use it mostly for practical

communication with friends and family, but an interesting finding was that people over 58 liked

to view their Facebook feed and enjoy being entertained by other users’ content. I learned that

older Facebook users could further enjoy Facebook use for the rest of their lives, and might even

enjoy it more as even more older people create a Facebook. Facebook connects people and the

rest of our world together in one place, and who wouldn’t benefit from that?

References

Bazarova, N. N., & Choi, Y. H. (2014). Self-Disclosure in Social Media: Extending the

Functional Approach to Disclosure Motivations and Characteristics on Social Network

Sites. J Commun Journal of Communication, 64(4).

Chakraborty, R., Vishik, C., & Rao, H. R. (2013). Privacy preserving actions of older adults on

social media: Exploring the behavior of opting out of information sharing. Decision

Support Systems, 55(4).

Ellison, N. B., Steinfield, C., & Lampe, C. (2011). Connection strategies: Social capital

implications of Facebook-enabled communication practices. New Media & Society,

13(6).

Gomes, G., Duarte, C., Coelho, J., & Matos, E. (2014). Designing a Facebook Interface for

Senior Users. The Scientific World Journal.

Hayes, M., Stolk-Cooke, K. V., & Muench, F. (2015). Understanding Facebook use and the

psychological effects of use across generations. Computers in Human Behavior, 49.

High, A. C., Oeldorf-Hirsch, A., & Bellur, S. (2014). Misery rarely gets company: The influence

of emotional bandwidth on supportive communication on Facebook. Computers in

Human Behavior, 34.

Ledbetter, A. M., Mazer, J. P., Degroot, J. M., Meyer, K. R., Mao, Y., & Swafford, B. (2010).

Attitudes Toward Online Social Connection and Self-Disclosure as Predictors of

Facebook Communication and Relational Closeness. Communication Research, 38(1).

Smock, A. D., Ellison, N. B., Lampe, C., & Wohn, D. Y. (2011). Facebook as a toolkit: A uses

and gratification approach to unbundling feature use. Computers in Human Behavior,

27(6).

Sosika, V. S., & Bazarova, N. N. (2014). Relational maintenance on social network sites: How

Facebook communication predicts relational escalation. Computers in Human Behavior,

35.

Vošner, H. B., Bobek, S., Kokol, P., & Krečič, M. J. (2016). Attitudes of active older Internet

users towards online social networking. Computers in Human Behavior.

Appendices

Survey Questions:

1- Are you currently on Facebook? a) yes b) no

2- How many days per week do you log onto Facebook on average?

a) very rarely b) less than once a week c) 1­2 d) 3­4 e) 5­7

3- How much time per day do you use Facebook on an average day?

a) less than 5 mins b) 10-30 mins c) 30-60 mins d) 2-4 hours e) over 4 hours

4- How important is having Facebook to you?

a) essential b) somewhat important c) neutral d) I would be fine without Facebook

e) I would rather not have Facebook/useless

5- Is Facebook the most common form of online communication that you use?

a) yes b) no

6- The following are common Facebook functions for communicating. Please order them

in terms of how often you use participate in each: (1=least 5=most)

__ Updating status or posting using words, pictures, or video

__ Using the share button to share pictures, videos, or articles from your feed

__ Engaging in Facebook games

__ Commenting on or liking posts on feed

__ Using private messenger

__ Other

7- Please briefly describe what Facebook is/means to you:

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

8- Age:

____

9- Gender:

__________

Informed Consent

I am a student at California State University, San Marcos. I am conducting research as part of

my class about research methods in the field of communication (COMM 390). My research

study is exploring social media communication behavior of adults over 35. I would like to

interview you, and approximately two other people about your experiences in this area. The

interview will take about 15 minutes to complete. I will not use your name in the presentation of

this research, but will assign you a pseudonym.

Although I do not foresee any negative impact to you from participating in this research, you will

be giving up your time to contribute to research leading to a greater understanding about this

topic. In addition, I will benefit from your help in completing a requirement for this class. If you

choose, you may withdraw from or stop this interview at any time.

If you have any questions about this research, you can contact my professor, Caroline Sawyer,

who is a Lecturer at CSUSM in the Communication Department. You can reach her at 760-750-

8048 or by email at csawyer@csusm.edu.

Do you have any questions? Would you like to participate in this research interview?

Interview Questions

a) How much time do you spend on Facebook in general?

b) Is Facebook the most common form of online communication that you use?

c) How important is having Facebook to you?

d) Can you please briefly describe what Facebook is/means to you?

e) What is your favorite thing about Facebook?

f) What two Facebook functions do you use the most? (ie: status update, commenting, private

messenger, Facebook games) Why?

g) Can you describe a time that you had a negative experience with Facebook?

h) What do you think of the new “reaction” feature of Facebook?

i) Can you tell me about an instance when Facebook became very useful to you?

j) How do you think Facebook has influenced our minds and our society?

k) Is there anything you would like to add or tell me more about?

Transcript -- Interview #1

B= Interviewer K= Interviewee

[After introduction]

B: Alright, how much time would you say that you spend on Facebook in general?

K: I would say that I spend probably…maybe…an hour a week.

B: Okay. And is Facebook the most common form of online communication that you use?

K: Um… Probably messenger on Facebook.

B: Oh okay. And then how important would you say having Facebook is to you?

K: Um… I think it’s very important because it gives me kind of an opening to the outside

world… friends and people that I haven’t talked to in a long time.

B: Very nice.

K: And it opens up my world for me. Um… because I’m a bit of a homebody, and I like to stay

at home so it keeps me connected with other people in a way that probably I would not have had

in the past.

B: Oh that’s great that it gives you that sort of outlet! It’s the same for me.

B: What would you say your favorite thing or aspect about Facebook is?

K: I think being able to see what funny and creative things people post. Um, because I love stuff

that’s funny and I love to see other inspiring quotes or pictures and beautiful photography.

B: Okay great. And what two Facebook functions would you say that you use the most? I know

that you touched on this earlier when you said that you like to use private messenger, is there

another one that you use, um, for example Facebook games, or status update, or just commenting

on posts in general?

K: No probably not.

B: Oh okay. So private messenger is just the primary thing you use to communicate on

Facebook?

K: Yeah.

B: Okay good. Could you tell why private messenger is your favorite function that you use on

Facebook?

K: Well because I don’t use Facebook a lot, it’s probably the most convenient way to send

pictures and messages to different people.

B: Okay awesome. Could you describe a time when you had a negative experience with

Facebook?

K: Um let’s see… I think sometimes people put either political or…things that are not very

pleasant to encounter. There are some nasty things that get put on there.

B: Aw yeah I agree.

K: That’s why I said I like more of the fun and creative side of it… I know people can have

strong opinions and likes and dislikes about things and I mean that’s okay, that’s their

prerogative, but there have just been some things that I’ve read and seen that are negative and not

very enjoyable.

B: And what do you think of the new “reaction” feature on Facebook? Are you familiar with

that?

K: [Long pause] Ummm no actually.

B & K: [chuckling]

B: Okay well it’s a feature where instead of just liking a post, you can react. You can be sad

toward a post, you can be angry about a post you can love a post, you can laugh at a post.

K: Ooh. You know, I have not used that yet. I’ve always had fun though using a lot of emojis

when I make my comments about people’s Facebook posts.

B: Mhm.

K: So in a way, I’m already kind of doing that.

B: With your emojis?

K: Yeah with my emojis. But, um, hopefully now that I know that exists I’ll start using it a lot

more.

B: [chuckles] Oh very nice.

K: Because I do love to attach, you know, emotion to it and kind of be silly and fun and let

people know what I think of their post.

B: Yeah definitely! I actually didn’t even know how to use it at first, and I’m still trying to get

used to it because it’s very new.

K: Oh okay.

B: What do you think of that? Do you think it will be good for people?

K: Oh yeah! I think…it makes it easier to add a bit of emotion to it because “like” is just so very

basic and bland.

B: Yeah.

K: And doesn’t really give the full, maybe, meaning that you’d like to give to it, and this will

make it quicker, you know, instead of having to go look up emojis.

B: Yeah.

K: You know…you can just add a little bit more of how you feel about their post.

B: Definitely. Because people were requesting to have a “dislike button”, but they were saying,

well we can’t really do that because it’s like, you know people might get offended and it might

cause drama and promote hate. So this is their way of kind of broadening it. You can be “angry”

about a post, I think that’s the closest thing to a “dislike button”.

K: Oh I see!

B: So let’s see. Could you please explain an instance of when Facebook became very useful to

you?

K: Um… Well my family doesn’t live around here…

B: Yeah.

K: So it’s actually… My sister [chuckles] finally talked my 93-year-old mom into getting

Facebook. And I know that’s opened up a lot for her, of her world. And it’s also…I’m able to

communicate with her… you know, besides just talking to her on the phone. It just adds more

because you can share pictures, and thoughts, and comments and everything.

B: Oh that’s good.

K: So I really think that family-wise, because my family doesn’t live here, it’s been a huge plus

for me to be able to communicate with my family.

B: Awesome! I agree! Let’s see… so do you have an opinion about how Facebook has

influenced our minds and our society in general?

K: Well, I guess I’ve never thought about it… Um, I know that it decreases the face-to-face

communication that we might have, which maybe isn’t the best, but it really opens up so many

other areas of communication. You know, I think as long as it doesn’t [chuckles] you know, take

over your life so much that you neglect other things in your life, I think it’s been very positive

and very good.

B: Yeah.

K: You know, as long it’s not like the only thing that you ever do, but it’s really a great way of

being able to communicate with other people uh, much more than we ever were able to before.

Like I said with, you know, thoughts and emotions and ideas and, um, just creativity, and

animals, and art, and beauty, and positivity and all that.

B: [chuckles] Yeah! And that’s cool because you can kind of pick what you follow and what you

surround yourself with, and have your own sort of Facebook world.

K: Yeah! It makes it very personal to you. You very much personalize it to what, you know,

works for you in your life.

B: Yeah! And it seems like you follow a lot of kind of creative pages and have friends that share

the same sort of things. I’m the same way. That’s awesome.

B: And to conclude, is there anything that you would like to add or tell me more about that I

haven’t asked you yet?

K: Well…I’m glad I was able to start up and go on Facebook. I am older [B & K chuckle] so I

maybe don’t do it as much as younger people, but like I said it’s really opened up my world. I

think it’s been really great!

B: Okay awesome! Thank you so much for your time.

K: Oh you’re welcome. Thanks for the interview!

B & K: [chuckle]

Transcript -- Interview #2

B= Interviewer S= Interviewee

[After introduction]

B: How much time do you spend on Facebook in general would you say?

S: I would say generally about 20 minutes.

B: Oh okay. Is Facebook the most common form of online communication that you use?

S: Yes.

B: And how important would you say having Facebook is to you?

S: Not the highest of importance, but I like to keep up with people. It’s not something I would

get rid of.

B: Can you please briefly describe what Facebook is to you or means to you?

S: It’s really a way to communicate with people that don’t live around here. And it’s hard to

approach people sometimes to talk in person, but Facebook makes it easy to start up a

conversation.

B: Awesome I agree! What would you say is your favorite thing about Facebook?

S: I really like being updated about what people are doing, without making the effort to actually

talk to them in person or call them.

B&S: [chuckle]

B: Okay great! I definitely agree with that as well. What two Facebook functions do you use the

most?

S: Could you please clarify an example?

B: It’s things like private messenger, status updates, games, etc.

S: Oh okay. Yes, private messenger and then liking pictures I would say I use most often.

B: Can you now describe a time that you had a negative experience with Facebook?

S: Definitely! … Well… I was dating a girl, she was looking through my pictures, and I got in

big trouble because of a picture that I had on my Facebook. Facebook is like a book open to the

entire world, and I suppose that could be dangerous sometimes.

B: You’re totally right! Sometimes have to be careful what you post! Okay and what do you

think of the new “reaction” feature of Facebook? Where you can be angry about a post or sad,

etc. Instead of just being able to “like” a post.

S: Oh hmm. I think it’s good. I like it. It gives more freedom in social media, to express yourself

more fully. And it can only get better.

B: Can you please tell me about an instance when Facebook became very useful to you?

S: I don’t know about that one! I guess… when I first made my Facebook account I was so

happy about connecting with people that I never thought I would talk to again.

B: That’s exactly how I felt too! It was so cool getting to look up people that I used to know and

haven’t talked to in a long time…Alright, now how do you think Facebook has influenced our

minds and our society?

S: Dang… You really want to know? I think it has given us a tool to have access to a lot of

things. But I also think it has been a drug to people, especially young people. It’s a double edged

sword… It can help but it seems the younger generation is getting carried away with it. It’s sad…

B: Yeah it is unfortunate. All of us can easily get carried away with overusing Facebook and

other social media. And finally, is there anything you would like to add or tell me more about?

S: Uh yes. I think it’s a good tool to communicate and stay informed actually. And advertise.

This generation will not be able to deal with other people face to face the same, like my

generation did, meaning being able to go out and have coffee and actually have a conversation,

instead of just looking at their phones the entire time they’re hanging out. One of the other things

I hate most about Facebook is that the younger generation is so concerned with how many likes

they get that they’re willing to go the extra mile to get attention. That is sad for me because there

is not real human interaction with that.

B: Aw yeah that does sound sad putting it that way! Hopefully it doesn’t destroy our society…

Okay thank you so much for spending the time to answer my questions!

S: Of course!

Transcript – Interview #3

B= Interviewer J= Interviewee

[After introduction]

B: Can you please tell me how much time you spend on Facebook in general?

J: Oh. Um. Per week? Or per day?...

B: Just in general, whatever you would like to share.

J: I honestly spend about an hour a week. Maybe an hour and a half.

B: Oh okay that makes sense. Is Facebook the most common form of online communication that

you use?

J: No. I email more than Facebook.

B: And how important is having Facebook to you?

J: Mildly important. I do like it, but I don’t get on it that much.

B: Oh okay. Can you please briefly describe what Facebook is or means to you?

J: It is a form of social communication with friends. Keeping in touch and seeing what everyone

is up to is the best way to put it. You know, with people that you normally wouldn’t keep in

touch with by other means. People I haven’t seen in years…now I know what they’re up to!

B: I’m the same way! It’s strange how we can be in touch with people by just searching for their

first and last name! Okay, what is your favorite thing about Facebook?

J: Some of the funny stuff on it… I like the funny stuff! The lighter side of it.

B: So just basically looking at stuff on your feed?

J: Yeah!

B: Oh okay. I love looking at my feed! I spend a lot of time looking through it unfortunately.

What two Facebook functions do you use the most?

J: Liking and posting! I like looking at stuff on my feed but I only post once every other week or

so. I like to let people know that I’m paying attention to their posts. As far as other functions go,

I don’t really even know what those are honestly.

B: Well there is stuff like commenting, sharing other people’s content, Facebook games, which

no one really does anymore…

J: Oh okay.

B: Can you describe a time that you had a negative experience with Facebook?

J: Sometimes people post so much that it gets annoying! And I have friends that I’ve had in the

past and they post political content and I don’t want to hear that. Stuff that I don’t agree with and

they’re so in-your-face about it. I almost want to unfriend them.

B: Yeah that’s a lot of times difficult to handle. What do you think of the new “reaction” feature

of Facebook? It’s where, instead of just “liking” a post, you can be angry about a post, sad about

a post, or even “love” a post.

J: I actually don’t have an opinion about that because I haven’t even really seen it.

B: Oh okay no problem! Can you tell me about an instance when Facebook became especially

useful to you?

J: [long pause] I really like to see what my immediate family posts. I work a lot so it’s nice to see

what they’re into and what they’re up to. That makes me happy to see what’s going on.

B: I never thought about it that way. That’s great! So now, how do you think Facebook has

influenced our minds and our society?

J: I think it’s been positive. I really think its opened up a lot of social interaction for people. It’s

made the world closer together and a smaller place in general. But it could decrease socialization

as far as face-to-face interaction goes. But I think it’s been a good thing in general. It’s

broadened many people’s horizons and we are able to connect with others much easier.

B: I agree! Is there anything you would like to add or tell me more about?

J: Hmm no not really. I think you get such a different view from people that have grown up with

it. They might have a lot more to say because it’s such a big part of their lives. I just got one for

fun. And it became beneficial.

B: Yeah you’re right! It’s interesting to hear you say that. Okay well that concludes the

interview. Thank you so much for helping me out!

J: Yeah of course. It was fun to be interviewed.

Abbreviation Code Definition/Explanation Example

Practical Practical communication as

opposed to self-expression/self-disclosure

When asked about meaning/value of

Facebook, interviewees said that it is great to keep in

touch with friends and family and stay easily

connected to the world. They also mentioned that they do

not post content much at all.

“It gives me kind of an opening to the

outside world… friends and people I haven’t talked to in a

long time.” “I really like being

updated about what people are doing, without making the

effort to actually talk to them in person or

call them.”

Freq Frequency/importance of Facebook use

Interviewee statements suggest that although it is a revolutionary

method of communication,

Facebook is not of high importance in everyday life. Older

users have gotten along without it for

most of their lives.

“I honestly spend about an hour a week.”

“Not the highest of importance, but I

like to keep up with people.” “I am older, so I

maybe don’t do it as much as younger

people.”

Negs Negative aspects of Facebook

Interviewees expressed there were negatives to Facebook

that include people posting negative or

annoying and very opinionated content, that a lot of personal

information is open to the public, and that it

is potentially unhealthy for the young generation

becoming obsessed with social media

because it is very easy to waste time and makes us less inclined

to have face-to-face interaction.

“Facebook is like a book open to the entire world, and I

suppose that could be dangerous

sometimes.” “This generation will not be able to deal

with other people face-to-face the

same.” “The younger generation is so

concerned with how many likes they get

that they’re willing to go the extra mile to get attention.”