A Dynamic Phenomenon: The Uses and Types of Social Network Sites, 2011-2013

• In Event: 464 - Section on Communication and Information Technologies Paper Session. Open Topic on Communication, Media, and/or Information Technologies

Abstract

We examine the use and adoption of social network sites (SNSs) using a representative sample of the population of the United Kingdom, making three important contributions. First, comparative data for 2011 and 2013 shows how the use of SNSs has changed. Second, using principal components analysis we identify distinctive types of SNSs: in both periods. There is more diversity in 2013 than in 2011. Finally, we identify the uses to of SNSs. As SNS use has spread it is become much more differentiated and complex. People not only do more, but they do different things than they did when SNSs were newer. Furthermore, for some sites, age is no longer important; they are used across all age groups in similar proportions.

Authors

• Grant Blank, Oxford University

• Darja Groselj, Oxford University