The use and implications of online social networking to the students: a literature review

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to review the current published researches focusing on the use of online social networking (OSN)particularly on Facebook by the students. The aim of the review is to explore the students’ profile of OSN activities and the use implications of OSN to the students. The conducted review covers the previous empirical researches which is divided into the following themes: (a) Students’ usage profile; (b) Students’ attitudes towards OSN; and (c) Implications of OSN use to the student. The conclusions overall show that OSN thus far is use mainly by students for social reason and very little intention by students for formal learning. However, there are potential of OSN in helping students in informal learning by improving students’ social abilities which will eventually increase their learning abilities particularly among the passive or quiet student. Despite being important to the students, few possibilities of risks of the OSN to the students are OSN obsessive usage which may affect their educational achievement. Other harmful effects reported due to the use of OSN among the students are immoral related behavior.