Facebook mediated interactions and its influence on social relationships 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 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. Drawing from the Social Penetration Theory and Uses and Gratifications Theory, this study aimed at understanding how mediated communication through Facebook is altering the nature of social interactions among university students and how this has influenced the formation of social relationships. Specifically, the study sought to answer the following questions: How has Facebook shaped interaction among university students in universities? How does Facebook mediated communication enhance/undermine social interactions among university students in universities? What affordances do university students in universities perceive in their use of Facebook as an interaction platform? 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, transcribed and analyzed thematically. The findings suggest that there is rapid use and expansion of social networking sites for interaction purposes among university students. 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, weaken 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 youth. The study recommends a reconceptualization of the understanding of interactions and relationship formation in the light of contemporary trends in social network sites. Institutions and families should be sensitized on the need to engage young people with a view of enhancing the importance of face-to-face communication which cannot be replaced by online mediated interactions.