Social network site appropriation processes based on family types

Abstract

Technologies such as Social Network Sites (SNS) have been used widely among family members to support and extend their family communications and relationships. Although many previous researchers have highlighted the impact of SNS in family environment, researches on SNS adoption, adaptation and use according to different types of family groups have received little research attention. Two pilot case studies and eleven actual case studies were conducted through interviews, observations and content analysis to achieve the main research objectives of why and how do family members adopt, adapt and use SNS. Results from the data collection were used in the development of Family Appropriation Process of Social Network Site (FAPSNS) framework which also facilitated the understanding of SNS appropriation process criteria in family, individual, technical and extra-familial perspectives, as well as the identification of its current level according to family groups namely Modern, Chummy and Mixed families. Results highlighted that Modern family was successfully appropriated Facebook at Level 3 of family, individual and technical perspectives. Whereas, Chummy and Mixed families have disappropriated Facebook at Level 2 in family perspective, but were successfully appropriated Facebook at Level 3 in individual and technical perspectives. A set of recommendations was developed as a reference for relevant agencies, scholars, SNS designers and family members to assist in SNS appropriation process.