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Journalism and Mass Communication Volume 1 (2014), Article ID 1:IJJMC-108, 15 pages
http://dx.doi.org/10.15344/2349-2635/2014/108
Research Article
Demographic Factors Influencing Arab Gulf Student's Use of and Attitudes Toward Social Network Services at Ohio University; Field Research on SNS Member's Relationship

Qais M. R. Al-Tamimi

Department of Mass Communication,United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates
Corresponding Author Details : Dr. Qais M. R. Al-Tamimi, Department of Mass Communication,United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates; E-mail: qaist@uaeu.ac.ae
Received : 24 May 2014; Accepted : 29 December 2014; Published : 31 December 2014
Citation : Al-Tamimi QMR (2014) Demographic Factors Influencing Arab Gulf Student's Use of and Attitudes Toward Social Network Services at Ohio University; Field Research on SNS Member's Relationship. Int J Journalism Mass Comm 1: 108. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.15344/2349-2635/2014/108

Abstract

A social network is an online environment that is characterized by having a connection and relationship. Thus, a social network service is no more or less than an online service, platform, or site that focuses on building and reflecting of social networks or social relations among people, e.g., who share interests and/ or activities. A social network service essentially consists of a representation of each user (often a profile), his/her social links, and a variety of additional services.

It has been noted that most social network services are web based and provide means for users to interact over the internet, such as e-mail, and instant messaging. Although online community services are sometimes considered as a social network service, it usually means an individual-centered service whereas online community services are group-centered. Social networking or social media sites always allow potential users to share ideas, activities, events, and interests with others within their individual networks. This paper will investigate the Arab Gulf student's demographic and cultural characteristics (age, income, educational level, and language [English]) influencing individual's perception, use of and attitudes toward online social networking and sharing at Ohio University. The Arab Gulf states include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Unite Arab Emirates. Furthermore, the social network services (SNS) include Google, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and E-mail. The present study expects to find correlations (i.e., relationships) between individual's demographic and cultural characteristics and their use of and attitudes toward the technology.