why people use SNS
Why People Use Social Networking Sites
Petter Bae Brandtzæg and Jan Heim
SINTEF, Forskningsveien. 1,
0314 OSLO, Norway pbb@sintef.no Abstract. One of the recent popular social media platforms is the social networking site (SNS). Thus far, few previous studies have empirically investigated people’s motivations for SNS usage, especially not outside the U.S. This study combines a large-scale quantitative and qualitative research design, by asking 1,200 SNS users an open question regarding their reasons for using
SNSs. An important conclusion drawn from a preliminary content analysis is that people often report many motivational reasons for using SNSs. The most important reason is to get in contact with new people (31%). The second most valued was to keep in touch with their friends (21%), whereas the third was general socializing (14%). A total of 11 different reasons and several subreasons were identified; that all give insight into the personal incentives that drive people to use SNSs and thus contribute to our understanding of how to develop successful social networking online.
Keywords: Social networking sites, user participation, friends, user motivation.
1 Introduction
Every day, thousands of new accounts are created on social networking sites (SNSs), though many have a very short lifespan [1]. SNS are also one type of online community that relies on user contributions. This raises the question of how user motivation and participation can be inspired for continued use. What makes an SNS successful in terms of both end-user loyalty and highly motivated users is still unknown [2]; yet, this is critical knowledge for designers and human factor engineers who build SNSs.
Therefore, on a general level, it is necessary to understand the people who will use the service, as well as the goals and personal incentives they have for doing so. Similarly, Preece [3] points out that the developing online communities require a deep understanding of
Petter Bae Brandtzæg and Jan Heim
SINTEF, Forskningsveien. 1,
0314 OSLO, Norway pbb@sintef.no Abstract. One of the recent popular social media platforms is the social networking site (SNS). Thus far, few previous studies have empirically investigated people’s motivations for SNS usage, especially not outside the U.S. This study combines a large-scale quantitative and qualitative research design, by asking 1,200 SNS users an open question regarding their reasons for using
SNSs. An important conclusion drawn from a preliminary content analysis is that people often report many motivational reasons for using SNSs. The most important reason is to get in contact with new people (31%). The second most valued was to keep in touch with their friends (21%), whereas the third was general socializing (14%). A total of 11 different reasons and several subreasons were identified; that all give insight into the personal incentives that drive people to use SNSs and thus contribute to our understanding of how to develop successful social networking online.
Keywords: Social networking sites, user participation, friends, user motivation.
1 Introduction
Every day, thousands of new accounts are created on social networking sites (SNSs), though many have a very short lifespan [1]. SNS are also one type of online community that relies on user contributions. This raises the question of how user motivation and participation can be inspired for continued use. What makes an SNS successful in terms of both end-user loyalty and highly motivated users is still unknown [2]; yet, this is critical knowledge for designers and human factor engineers who build SNSs.
Therefore, on a general level, it is necessary to understand the people who will use the service, as well as the goals and personal incentives they have for doing so. Similarly, Preece [3] points out that the developing online communities require a deep understanding of
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