Graduate Program

College Student Affairs

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2014

Thesis Director

Dianne Timm

Thesis Committee Member

Rachel Z. Fisher

Thesis Committee Member

Roberta Y. Kingery

Thesis Committee Member

Jennifer L. Sipes

Abstract

Facebook and other social media have changed the way that our society communicates. As student affairs professionals, it is important to understand how this shift in communication affects our students and their development. This study aimed to learn more about how students leaders use Facebook, how they perceive Facebook, and how their leadership position has impacted their use and perception. The researcher used an electronic questionnaire, a Facebook tracking log, and a personal interview to examine the Facebook use and perceptions of eight participants. These participants represented the following groups: Greek leadership councils, orientation leaders, resident assistants, and student government. Results showed that participants used Facebook as a tool to enhance their leadership position. The eight participants' interviews showed that their leadership positions did affect their use and perception of Facebook. Each group tended to use Facebook differently to fit their specific needs.

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