Analysis of the Role and Use of Virtual Social Networks among University Students

The purpose of the present study is to investigate how graduate students recognize, perceive and use public virtual social networks. The method of this research is descriptive using survey. The population consisted of all graduate students at Tehran Kharazmi University in 1392-93 school year. For the purpose of this study, 120 students were selected using random sampling. Research instrument is a researcher made questionnaire. It investigates six issues concerning virtual social networks. Gathered data were analyzed using Mann- Whitney U and Chi-square tests, with SPSS software (version 20). Findings indicated that Facebook was the most popular virtual social network (86%). The controlled and uncontrolled general accounts were approximately equal but Chi-square test showed that females’ controlled accounts were significantly more than male students’ controlled accounts. The main goal of most students joining these networks was recreation and entertainment. There was no significant difference between male and female students on use of virtual social networks. Students were unaware of features and unique characteristics of these networks or they were unwilling to use these properties. The most negative effect of virtual social networks is spending so much time in these networks that could harm their educational process. Providing information on the use of virtual social networks and their various works can prevent decrease in academic success and promote better use of these networks as well.