The impact of social networking in the development of self-esteem, social skills and learning behaviour among students in Johor Bahru

Abstract

This study aims to identify the most dominant factor and effect of the online social networking site. This study focuses on four factors; loneliness, social anxiety, social influence and addiction. The effects studied are the self-esteem, social skills and learning behaviours. Respondents were 220 students from seven schools in the district of Johor Bahru. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 17. Descriptive statistics show that social influence is the dominant factor. The study also found that the dominant effect is self-esteem. Instant Messenger is an online social site that contributes to self-esteem, social skills and learning behaviours. Inferential statistics show that there is a significant impact between loneliness and social influences towards the effects of social websites. In addition, there is a significant impact between loneliness and self-esteem. There is also a significant impact of social influence, addiction and social anxiety towards social skills. Loneliness and addiction also brings a significant impact on learning behaviour. Several suggestions have been made to enhance self-esteem, social skills and learning behaviours.