Dynamics of social relationships formation and management in the Online platform among University students at Selected Universities in Kenya

Abstract

Social media is increasingly replacing face-to-face interactions to become the preferred medium for interaction, especially, among the youth. Technology is thus altering the manner in which people interact with each other, with the potential negative consequences on the development of communication and social skills. As online social networking consistently and continuously attracts more and more users, problems are also generated in equal measure. Studies have shown that excessive use of social network sites not only has a long-lasting effect on the psyche of students but also affects the physical, mental, and social aspects of their lives. to assess dynamics of social relationships formation and management in the online platform among university students at selected universities in Kenya. The study utilized a qualitative approach to generate and analyze data. Twenty-two in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions were conducted among university students purposively picked from seven universities in Uasin Gishu County. The universities were conveniently selected. The interviews and focus group discussions were recorded, then transcribed and analyzed thematically. The findings suggest that there is rapid use and expansion of social networking sites for interaction purposes among young adults in universities. Overreliance on Facebook mediated interactions negatively alters the nature of social interactions among youths consequently affecting the formation of social relationships. Online interactions distract users from engaging in face-to-face interactions, weakens social bonds, and cause conflicts among users and non-users. Nonetheless, interactions through Facebook have contributed to developing and enhancing social relationships in geographically dispersed locations. The study concludes that while Facebook mediated interactions have contributed in the fusion of time and space, hence strengthening communication among individuals in geographically dispersed locations; it is equally undermining the development of social relationships and weakening social bonds among the youths. Online social networking is already a significant part of young adults lives, user must take note that it should not be used as replacement to interpersonal interactions, it should rather be an alternative way of interacting. Users of SNS should monitor their online interactions, such that they do not lose out on real world interactions in pursuit of virtual interactions. FB should be a catalyst for social development, for relationship development and for economic empowerment for youths. Guidance and counseling session be organized in universities to remedy students who have been negatively affected by social media through addiction or those who have experienced cyber bulling or other online vices. Young adults in universities to be sensitized on ways to enhance their personal experiences with social media use, by affirming their social identities