Students Perceptions on Using Social Networking Sites

The aim of the study was to examine students' perceptions about Social Networking sites, usage of technologies and awareness of Social Networking sites in Education. The population of the study were 1500 students of the U.G and P.G students of selected colleges in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. The sample consists of 1500 students from U.G and P.G students of selected colleges in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh .Data had been analyzed using quantitative data analysis method, which were mean, percentage and Independent sample T-test. The findings revealed that students satisfaction of using social networking sites was a moderator positive level (mean = 3.37) .Students agreed on using social networking with E-Safety (mean =4.12) From this study also, type of students' study programme has no effect on students' perception neither towards using social networking sites with E-Safety nor in the required skills of using social networking sites effectively. However, there was a significant difference between male and female students in the required skills of using social networking sites at α = 0.05 (p = 0.014). Female students appeared to be more skilful and ready for using social networking sites (mean = 4.08) than male students (mean = 4.24).From this research finding, it can be concluded that students preferred social networking sites with ESafety, where it can provide them more interactive features than the previous social networking tools. The Study recommends intervention strategies by the institutions, in collaboration with their parents and Government Agencies for a judicious, safe, efficient and effective use of Social networking sites