ABSTRACT
Social Network Sites (SNS) offer several benefits for all groups of people, particularly students. Based on previous studies, it is considered that studies on the usage of SNS among students in Malaysia are still limited. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to investigate the Positive Effects (Advantages) and Negative Effects (Disadvantages) of SNS in order to help students to take full advantages of such tools. Moreover, this study seeks to help students in avoiding its negative effects. This study conducted an online survey through Facebook and E-mail consisting of 55 questions among students from a public university in the southern region of peninsular Malaysia. The total number of respondents is one hundred and nine students. Factor analysis in this study identified three categories of SNS positive effects such as information seeking , social presence , and academic and social activities fulfilment; also four categories of SNS negative effects such as negative feelings, reduction of cognitive development, social isolation , and security concerns . The outcomes of this study expect to be a starting point intended for instructors to be aware of the positive and negative effects of SNS before engaging students in using SNS for teaching and learning activities.
Marva Mirabolghasemi, Noorminshah, Nor Zairah. (2016). Students’ Perception Towards the Potential and Barriers of Social Network Sites in Higher Education. Social Networking and Education (41-49).(Scopus Index)
