Relationship Between Facebook Usage and Social Capital

Relationship Between Facebook Usage and Social Capital 1. Introduction The purpose of this research is to investigate the recent phenomenon known as social networks, and in particular the social networks associated with the World Wide Web and their impact on the social welfare (also known as social capital) of people. This topic is of particular interest to the researcher because of the increasing importance and span of the online social network sites. Thus understanding how they impact society in general. The scope of the research will be The Facebook – the biggest at this time online social network. The reason for the topic is the increase of the website in our lives and the many disputations whether it has positive or negative impact on its users. Therefore adequate research regarding key concepts and connections between The Facebook and social capital would benefit anyone who is interested in online social networks and their influence over societies. Before continuing with the research it is important to introduce key concepts and definitions which is to make easier for the reader to understand the matters at hand. 1.1 Key Definitions A  social network  is a  social structure  made up of individuals (or organizations) called nodes, which are tied (connected) by one or more specific types of  interdependency, such as  friendship,  kinship, common interest, financial exchange, dislike,  sexual relationships, or relationships of beliefs, knowledge or  prestige. As in almost everything in present days, the internet influences the social networks. A good example of that is the created in 2004 online social network: The Facebook. By 2007 it was reported to have more than 21 million registered members generating 1.6 billion page views each day (Needham Company, 2007). The site is closely incorporated into the everyday media practices of its users: Ordinary users spend about 20 minutes a day on the site, and two-thirds of users log in at least once a day (Cassidy, 2006; Needham Company, 2007). 1.2 Aims and Objectives The aim of this research is to examine the relationship between the use of Facebook, and the development and preservation of social capital – both bonding and bridging. Its objective is to determine whether online social networks and in particular The facebook have positive or negative impact on societies. 1.3 Key Research Questions Is Facebook positively connected with individuals who perceive bridging social capital? Will Facebook intensity be positively associated with people who perceive bonding social capital? Is Facebook helping people with face to face communication difficulties? Facebook Survey Pie Chart The remainder of the research is organized as follows: Section 2 reviews conceptual development and theories of the research questions. Section 3 reviews the research methods and how they address the questions and how the data will be collected. Section 4 shows the research plan vie diagram, displaying the different activities involved in producing the actual work and how they will happen in time. Section 5 concludes the research proposal by highlighting the importance of the research questions and their connection with the different theories. Section 6 is the bibliography and reference used for the research. 2. Literature Review Previous research suggests that Facebook users engage in searching for people with whom they have an offline connection more than they browse for complete strangers to meet (Lampe, Ellison, Steinfield, 2006). Much of the early research on online communities supposed that individuals using these systems would be linking with others outside their pre-existing social group or location, liberating them to form communities around mutual interests, as opposed to shared geography (Garton, Guila Haythornthaite, Dimitrova, Salaff, Wellman 1996). A benchmark of this early research is the assumption that when online and offline social networks overlapped, the directionality was  online to offline—online connections resulted in face-to-face meetings. For example Parks and Floyd (1996) report, that one-third of their respondents later met their online correspondents offline. As they mark, These findings imply that relationships that begin online rarely stay there. Much of the existing academic research on Facebook has focused on identity presentation and privacy (e.g., Gross Acquisti, 2005; Stutzman, 2006). Looking at the amount of data Facebook users present about themselves, the fairly open nature of the information, and the lack of privacy controls enacted by the users, Gross and Acquisti (2005) argue that users may be putting themselves at exposure both offline (e.g., stalking) and online (e.g., identify theft). Other recent Facebook study examines student perceptions of instructor presence and self-disclosure (Hewitt Forte, 2006; Mazer, Murphy, Simonds, 2007), sequential patterns of use (Golder, Wilkinson, Huberman, 2007), and the relationship between profile structure and friendship communication (Lampe, Ellison, Steinfield, 2007). Putnam (2000) distinguishes between bridging and bonding social capital. The former is linked to what network researchers refer to as weak ties, which are loose connections between persons who may provide useful information or fresh perspectives for one another but on average not emotional support (Granovetter, 1982). On the other hand, bonding social capital is found between individuals in tightly-knit, emotionally close relationships, such as family and close friends. Social capital generally refers to the assets accumulated through the relationships between people (Coleman, 1988). Social capital is a flexible term with a range of definitions in numerous fields (Adler Kwon, 2002), conceived of as both a cause and an effect (Resnick, 2001; Williams, 2006). Bourdieu and Wacquant (1992) define social capital as the sum of the resources, actual or virtual, that accrue to an individual or a group by virtue of possessing a durable network of more or less institutionalized relationships of mutual acquaintance and recognition (p. 14). The assets from these relationships can fluctuate in form and function based on the relationships themselves. Social capital has been related to a diversity of positive social outcomes, such as better public health, lower crime rates, and more resourceful financial markets (Adler Kwon, 2002). According to numerous instruments of social capital, this important resource has been deteriorating in the U.S. for the past several years (Putnam, 2000). When social capital declines, a community experiences augmented social disorder, reduced involvement in public activities, and potentially more mistrust among society members. Greater social capital increases commitment to a community and the ability to organize collective actions, among other benefits. Social capital may also be used for harmful purposes, but in general it is seen as a positive effect of interaction among participants in a social network (Helliwell Putnam, 2004). The Internet has been linked both to increases and decreases in social capital. Nie (2001), for instance, argued that Internet use detracts from face-to-face time with others, which might weaken an individuals social capital. However, this viewpoint has received strong criticism (Bargh McKenna, 2004). Furthermore, a number of researchers have claimed that online connections may add to or replace in-person interactions, mitigating any loss from time spent online (Wellman, Haase, Witte, Hampton, 2001). In fact, studies of physical (e.g., geographical) communities supported by online networks, such as the Blacksburg Electronic Village, have found out that computer-mediated interactions have had constructive effects on community relations, involvement, and social capital (Hampton Wellman, 2003; Kavanaugh, Carroll, Rosson, Zin, Reese, 2005). Lately, researchers have emphasized the significance of Online-based linkages for the formation of weak ties, which provide the foundations of bridging social capital. Donath and boyd (2004) theorize that SNSs (Social Network Services) could to a great extent add to the weak ties one could form and maintain, because the technology is well-suited to maintaining such ties inexpensively and effortlessly. Based on the earlier work, one could suggest the following assumption: Concentration of Facebook use should be positively connected with individuals perceived bridging social capital.    It is obvious that the Internet facilitates new connections, in that it provides people with another way to connect with others who share their interests or relationship goals (Ellison, Heino, Gibbs, 2006; Horrigan, 2002; Parks Floyd, 1996). These new connections may cause an increase in social capital; for example, a 2006 Pew Internet study analysed that online users are more likely to have a larger network of close ties than non-Internet users, and that Internet users are more likely than non-users to obtain help from core network members (Boase, Horrigan, Wellman, Rainie, 2006). Williams (2006) argues that even though researchers have examined possible downfalls of social capital in offline communities due to greater Internet use, they have not effectively explored online gains that could compensate for this. For that reason it could be proposed a second assumption on the relationship between Facebook use and close ties: Concentration of Facebook use should be positively related with individuals perceived bonding social capital. 3. Methodology The ontology of this research is such as: although Facebook is virtual and without material component, one can view and describe it as a real object, because it can be used, felt and its existence proved. Second is the epistemology, for which the objective perspective is used, because Facebook is seen as separate entity from the individual user. The environment is constant, thus the result is that the individual`s profile is what changes according to the virtual surrounding. This perspective makes it easier for marketers to analyse the user behaviour and give firms the opportunity to efficiently advertise and sell their products for maximizing profits. To provide evidence that the research findings are indeed correct, the positivist assumption will be used, because it is better and more accurate way of describing the topic, giving exact data for the research. An example of bad secondary date is the following pie chart: http://media.brainz.org/uploads/2009/02/facebook.png For the purpose of the research a comparison of the terms primary and secondary data is needed, so one can see why the author of the research chooses the second. Primary data is collected to be up to date and topic specific. This in no doubt leads to better and more accurate results. The big downfall of this method is its time consuming nature and the fact it is really expensive. On the other hand Secondary data is identified by Saunders et al (2003) as data previously collected, stored or published. The big plus of secondary data is that it is already published, analysed, structured and is reviewed by other professors and academics, who already evaluated it. There are two types of secondary data identified by Saunders et al (2003). These are qualitative and quantitative data. The qualitative data is usually analyses and text-like definitions whereas quantitative data is usually related to statistics and numbers. A good source of quantitative secondary data is census, housing, social security as well as electoral statistics and other related databases. It is exactly this type of data, that would be best to use in this research as it is easier, cheaper and less time consuming to obtain, while relatively reliable and least, but not last, by using secondary data it is easier to avoid privacy problems with the people the information was gathered from. As every method, secondary data has its disadvantages, which in this case are that the data may be collected for a different from the researcher`s aim and thus it can be distorted. The access to some secondary data sources can be costly and difficult. Furthermore it is proved that one has no real control over the quality and reliability of the secondary data at all. (Saunders, M. Et al. 2003) For that reason when collecting the secondary data it is vital to measure its validity and whether it meets the researcher`s needs. There is always bias in the data, so it is important to find as many sources as possible to minim ise the bias. (Saunders, M. Et al. 2003). For this exact research the secondary data will be collected from analysed written surveys, questionnaires, telephone surveys, observation focus groups and existing records. Each of those has their own pros and cons in terms of how much qualitative data can be extracted out of them. It is clear that written surveys with determined scales will give more pure numbers and thus make the descriptive statistics analysis easier. On the other hand processing telephone surveys and observation focus groups would be harder and more time consuming. But as stated above one need as much data sources as possible to fully analyse and give reliable and non biased answer on a topic as large as the impact of the largest online social network – Facebook on its users. 4. Research plan: Step one: writing the proposition Step two: make a research on the possible resources available and making a list of the most useful sources. Step three: Following the proposition methods, mine the needed quantitative data from the resources. Step four: Analyse and process the raw quantitative mined data via descriptive statistics analysis and the qualitative data analysis. Step five: Summaries the data found from the previous steps and based on it start writing the actual dissertation. Step six: Review the Reference and bibliography carefully and write it. Step seven: Give the semi-finished dissertation to the advisor for ideas of improvement. Step eight: Improve and polish the dissertation and then wrap it up for submission.http://thomaslarock.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/datamining.jpg http://www.42u.com/images/data-center-resources.jpghttp://howtowriteathesis.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/writingabook.jpg http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/classic-motoring/Flex3401VRGCarPolisher.jpg -1 -2- -3-http://www.whole-person-counseling.com/Images/bookstack.gifhttp://onetick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/innovation_1.jpg?w=640 http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2008-11-17-2Advisor.GIF -4--5- -6- -7- -8- 5. Conclusion With the data that could be gathered using the models described above, one will have a more in-depth, reliable and useful information about the actual benefits and drawbacks Facebook gives in terms of social and bonding capital. It will be seen whether the theories suggesting Facebook helps people with face communication difficulties are indeed true. In general, conducting this research will provide data that is important for understanding the ever-growing online social networks and how to cultivate them to bring maximum benefits, not only for socializing, but for businesses, education, helping people overcome socializing problems and improving our lives in general.http://www.neurosoftware.ro/programming-blog/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/521f7_facebook_like_button.jpg

Health Risks Posed by Preservatives Present in Processed Food

Food additives are used in processed food because of the following: 1) to keep the consistency of a certain product, for instance, to prevent it from separating, to keep its even texture, to assist salt to freely pour; 2) to keep the product’s nutritional value; 3) to keep the food’s delectableness, for instance, to prevent it from getting spoiled; 4) to regulate acidity or alkalinity level in the product; and 5) to improve the color and flavor of the product (Benivia.. , 2006). There may be a number of advantages for food additives on processed food; however, there are numerous disadvantages that go along with it as well (The.. 2006). These disadvantages include the following:1) some bring about cancer; 2) some may cause allergic reactions; 3) some may pose hazard to those individuals who are pregnant, those with certain sicknesses like hypertension and kidney trouble, as well as, those who are only between 1 and 12 months old; 4) etc. (The.. ,2006). That being said, a ny researcher will only be left with the question, â€Å"How do I deal with the health risks posed by food additives present in many processed food? There are several things that can be carried out including the following: 1) as much as possible, avoid purchasing and eating processed food by consuming only organic/freshly picked ones, setting up one’s own garden, etc;2) if too busy to purchase organic/fresh food everyday, then read the labels of the processed food, do a little research and check if such are safe, tested not only in animals but humans, as well; 3) read â€Å"health† updates, typically, the â€Å"Food and Drug Administration† issues advisory on food additives proven to be hazardous to one’s health; 4) familiarize oneself with the most common food additives that have been positively associated with negative effects, for example, remember that intake of nitrites results in nausea, or that natural flavors may have free glutamates that may rui n the nervous system, etc; last but not least 5) include antioxidants in the daily diet, since such fights off and releases free radicals in the body which include the preservatives or food additives mentioned (The.. ,2006).

The Argument About Current Topics for Essay Writing

The Argument About Current Topics for Essay Writing There's, naturally, a limit on the range of pages even our finest writers can produce with a pressing deadline, but usually, we can satisfy all the clients seeking urgent assistance. You're advised to compose the letter by abiding by the stream of the question. Using NFL jerseys is extremely common. While finalizing the very first draft, two common problems are usually faced... 1). If You Read Nothing Else Today, Read This Report on Current Topics for Essay Writing Therefore, it's always important to obtain a topic that interests you. If you believe you don't know a lot about this issue, think again. Attempting to select a topic please be gentle and consider your audience. The ideal topic for your essay is one which is aligned with your region of study. On silliest of the subject, you may have a good essay. Discussion essays consider each side of an argument. Reviewing essay examples can help you learn to compose a high-scoring essay. How to compose a discussion essay. Banking essays can be real fun to play with if you've got an exhaustive understanding about the discipline and have keen interest in writing, so should you believe that you cannot write decent banking essays than again you're incorrect. Sources are important to support and produce the idea you've presented. World History Research Papers involve an amazing amount of information. Introduction to internet banking 4. Hence, if you believe banking essays are boring just like your organization studies are, then you're probably wrong here. How far India has the ability to implement decent governance principles. History of internet banking 6. On the flip side, you might write from a worldwide perspective and examine sustainable cities around the world. Deficiency of education is among the more important reasons why there is poverty in the nation. If you're writing about social problems, you will usually be writing about the way the topic affects larger groups of people, including how poverty affects a whole generation. Researching any issue about government or laws may get overwhelming because of the intricacy of the issues and even on account of the wording of some laws. But What About Current Topics for Essay Writing? Knowing the actual motivation behind the press release writing can bring about your coming up with a few of the best of it that would be exceedingly helpful. Joy is the easiest type of Gratitude 5. You will likely lose your emotional balance when dealing with these kinds of topics. You should have your reasons, and our principal concern is that you wind up getting an excellent grade. A problem is a concept upon which you may take a stand. Social issues have always been an essential part of the human condition. Don't forget your controversial research paper won't fix the problem, it's required to teach you to take a look at the matter from all the sides possible and hold the discussion. Also, utilize all the scratch paper you will need. By doing this you are able to easily finish the descriptive paper. Because your term paper is all about what you've learned and what more you wish to learn, you should demonstrate your knowledge together with evidence of one-of-a-kind thought. Creating an outline of your primary suggestions and secondary points can help you keep coherent. If you're providing a few important points which should be noticed, please use bullet points. Writing about nuclear weapons is always a great idea. The Essay Topics list is provided for English in addition to Hindi section. There are a lot of questions written each year you may discover your practice answering a variety of questions on various topics. These topics are simple since it can be hard for beginning ESL students to write a whole lot more than 100 words as a result of limited vocabulary and grammar abilities. You have to be extremely cautious if your college essay topic is linked to your personal experiences. While creativity is a significant facet of English composition, it is not always beneficial to require students to create their own writing topics. Coming up with a distinctive college biology term paper topic can on occasion be a bit tricky. As long because it is linked to your distinct region of study, it ought to be guaranteed to be the correct topic for you. A lot of students put on a uniform.

Should the Internet be censored Essay - 946 Words

Should the Internet be censored? Should the Internet be censored? This is a sticky question; no matter what answer you give to this question there will always be a valid argument in response to your answer. There are lots of arguments in the answer I found doing the research I did. The United States is not the only country with this problem. Because, remember now the Internet is worldwide and it involves every single country in the world. If a person thinks the Internet should be censored then the following question should be asked: Who should censor the Internet the federal government or parents? Censorship on the Internet is a controversial issue. A lot of people agree that censoring violates the First Amendment of free speech.†¦show more content†¦U.S. the Supreme Court decided that obscenity was â€Å"outside the protection intended for speech and press at the time during which the First Amendment was written.† Therefore, the First Amendment does not protect it. Also there was an act signed by Bill Clinton Called the Communications Decency Act (CDA) in 1996 that censors the freedom of speech on the Internet. But the Supreme Court on June 26,1997 Ruled it Unconstitutional saying â€Å"As a matter of constitutional tradition, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we presume that governmental regulation of the content of speech is more likely to interfere with the free exchange of ideas than to encourage it. The interest in encouraging freedom of expression in a democratic society outweighs any theoretical but unproven benefit of censorship. -- Justice John Paul Stevens, writing for the majority. So what about the children? How does a parent regulate what is viewed through a computer? People opposed to Internet censorship argue that it is a parent’s job to watch over what web sites their children are going to. But parents argue that it is almost impossible to always be there to watch their children, especially for single parents and families where both parents work. The duty should not be left totally on the parents, but also the creators of these web sites. Parents have some responsibility, but they cannot watch over their children twenty-four hours a day. That is why the web siteShow MoreRelated Should the Internet be Censored? Essay1062 Words   |  5 Pagesnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Ximenes 1 Should the Internet Be Censored? â€Å"No bones about it, the Internet needs to be censored†. At least according to Gerry Morgan, president of an Internet contents provider and a parent, he among other non-denominational Christian parents claims that they have found â€Å"the only realistic answer to the Internet porn-crisis†. They’ve created a program where all Web sites are pre-screened, avoiding any material that can be harmful to kids (Watson). 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