New research from the Pew Institute shows Facebook users have more close relationships and are more politically engaged than the average person.
The study, from the Pew Internet and American Life Project, entitled “Social networking sites and our lives”, surveyed 2 255 American adults at the end of last year.
The latest findings refute widely publicised fears that social networks, like Facebook, diminish friendships and isolate users.
The study's researchers say the findings “paint a rich and complex picture of the role that digital technology plays in people's social worlds”.
According to the study, a regular Facebook user averages 9% more close ties in their social network, compared with other Internet users.
Facebook users are also more likely to attend a political rally or meeting, persuade someone to vote and say that he or she would vote.
The report adds that many of the outcomes associated with social networking sites cannot be explained by the demographic statistics of those who use the services.
Other findings included that Facebook users are more trusting than similar Americans; MySpace users have a greater propensity to take multiple viewpoints; and Facebook users have more social support, and they are much more politically engaged compared with Americans of a similar age and education.
Define 'friend'
The number of adults using social networking sites (SNS) increased from 26% in a 2008 study, to 47%. Of those using social networks, Facebook dominates with 92% use, followed by MySpace at 29%, LinkedIn at 18% and Twitter at 13%.
Controlling for other factors, the study found that someone who uses Facebook several times per day averages 9% more close, core ties in their overall social network, compared with other Internet users. The average American is said to have just over two (2.16) friends they would call confidants.
“Much has been made of the use of the word 'friend' in this context,” says the report. “Those who are listed as friends on SNS may indeed be friends in the traditional sense, but they can also be old acquaintances, or very casual connections between people who have never have met in person.
“Some worry that, as a result of using these services, people may become more isolated and substitute less meaningful relations for real social support. Others believe this might enrich and expand relationships.
“After we control for demographic characteristics, we do not find that use of any SNS platform is associated with having a larger or smaller general overall social network. However, we do find that Facebook users are more likely to have a larger number of close social ties. Facebook use seems to support intimacy, rather than undermine it.”
Social electioneering
The survey was conducted over the November 2010 elections and it was found that Internet users in general were over twice as likely to attend a political meeting, 78% more likely to try and influence someone's vote, and 53% more likely to have voted or intended to vote.
Controlling for demographics and other types of Internet use, compared with other Internet users, and users of other SNS platforms, a Facebook user who uses the site multiple times per day was an additional two-and-a-half times more likely to attend a political rally or meeting, 57% more likely to persuade someone on their vote, and an additional 43% more likely to have said they would vote.
“However, education and gender are highly predictive of the likelihood of a person being politically engaged. Older and more educated Americans are more likely to be politically involved.
“Since LinkedIn users tend to be older and more educated, and MySpace users tend to be younger and less educated, this explains most of the difference we observed between SNS platforms.
“Yet, even when we control for demographic characteristics, we found that Internet users and Facebook users in particular, were more likely to be politically involved than similar Americans.”
The full report is available online from the Pew Research Institute Web site.
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