The Amount and Method of Using Virtual Social Networks among Farhangian University Students

The main purpose of the present study was to identify the existing status on the amount and method of using virtual social networks among Farhangian instructors and university students. The population of this study consisted of university students at Shahid Hasheminezhad Pardis Farhangian University of different fields. For the sample of this study, 230 freshman undergraduate students were selected using Morgan sample size table according to the comprehensive population size. This study is descriptive research in order to determine the amount and method of using virtual social networks through survey. Qualitative-quantitative method was used collect data. Researcher made questionnaire was used to obtain required information. Its validity was confirmed using content analysis and its reliability was computed using test retest. Research finding revealed that 67/4 percent of respondents stated that free use of virtual social networks has made them to continue using these networks. Out of subjects 30%, 20 % and 16% of them were members of one, two and three social networks, respectively. The main purpose of using social networks in the studied sample was spending free time (51%), information exchange (13%), communication (9%), and friends’ recommendation (2%). Based on these findings, social networks as body for learning and acquiring essential merits should be taken into consideration by curriculum planners and designers.