A Pilot Study to Implement Phase I of Grounded Theory Data Analysis on the Influence of Facebook Communication on the Perceived Life Satisfaction of Undergraduate Students

<p>This study was an investigation of how friends’ Facebook status updates, wall posts, and pictures influence the reader’s perceived satisfaction with overall life, family, and friendships. Eleven participants were interviewed and completed a questionnaire. Open Coding of Grounded Theory research design was used. The author of this study concluded that some individuals socially compare themselves to others on Facebook. People’s life satisfaction increased if others were doing poorly and decreased if others were doing better. Occasionally, friends’ positive posts about friends’ lives motivate readers to do better in their own lives. Satisfaction with family was not as influenced as satisfaction with friendships. College students face the developmental transition of “emerging adulthood” that can be eased by their overall life satisfaction and their satisfaction with family and friendships. This study contributed to the understanding of the influence of Facebook communication on the perceived life satisfaction of college students.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MA (Master of Arts)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - restricted

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Counseling

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Dobesova, Jana

• Facebook
• life satisfaction
• family
• friends
• college students
• Counseling Psychology

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright by the authors.

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1207

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-2391