| dc.description.abstract | A survey with 81 students was conducted in Nairobi, Kenya to examine the uses and gratifications of Facebook among the youth in Kenya. Data was collected from the respondents using questionnaires and it was analyzed using SPSS Version 12.0. The study investigated the uses of Facebook among the youth, the gratifications the youth sought in using Facebook and how demographic characteristics of the respondents influenced the uses and gratifications of Facebook among the youth. In addition, it examined the frequency of use of Facebook, relation development in Facebook, impact of Facebook to other forms of communication and the problems the youth face in using Facebook From the results, it was found that entertainment and communication accounted for greater use of Facebook by the respondents.
It was also clear that the research participants supported the motive dimensions of communication, entertainment and information seeking. It was also evident that Facebook uses and motivations were influenced by the age of the respondents, the gender, level of education as well as the religion. The differences noted in respect to these demographics could be attributed to the personal interests and needs of each category. The research findings also showed that while there didn't appear to be a clear displacement effect on face-to-face, email andcallingcommunicationbyFacebook.it seemed that most of the displacement and competition was happening in the Face-to-face conversation and calling usage. The .study findings revealed that Facebook users do face some problems when using Facebook. The major problems noted were: lack of access to internet connections, slow internet connections and lack of adequate internet use skills. Others cited were time outs, hacking of people's Facebook sites and use of vulgar languages by friends. | en_US |
