Facebook Research Paper

GROUP DYNAMICS TO ANALYSE THE FUNCTIONING OF THE SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORK FACEBOOK

INTRODUCTION

The functioning of the social media network Facebook is more dependent on group dynamics. A recent study carried out in Malawi proved that a number of people used social media network, Facebook to share photos, send messages, chat, tag friends or themselves, write on friends walls, join groups, create groups, share ideas in group discussions and applications and plays games (Chaputula and Majawa, 2013). This topic is relevant as it is about the functioning of online groups in everyday life in societies. This essay will discuss the functioning of medial network Facebook by looking at the formation of groups, cohesion, norms and consequences of using

For a group to function effectively, there must be a standard on norms set and each member must obey them. However, when an account through Facebook Is opened, before the account is authorized, there a conditions that you must agree to comply on during the existence of the Facebook account. The norms as set by Facebook are:

- You will not upload viruses or other malicious codes

- You will not bully, intimidate, or harass any user

- You will not post content that is hateful, threatening, or pornographic, incites violence, or contains nudity or graphic or gratuitous violence

- You will not use Facebook to do anything unlawful, misleading, malicious, or discriminatory

These are formal norms as set out by Facebook. A group has to set out their group norms every member to conform. A group leader for the effectiveness of the group must ensure members are not posting posts that are against other members or post bad things about others in the group. The group leader or the administrator have the authority to unfriend a member who does not conform to the group norms. If there is no conformity to the norms, members might leave the group to join other groups and the group

According to Forsyth, Some people join Facebook group to evaluate their own qualities, to set personal goal, to help other people or to bolster their self-esteem. It is further reported that people rely on others for information about themselves and the environment. The nature of how people are using Facebook these days means people can have all sorts of information they might require.

Christofides et al revealed that Facebook provides an easy way of sharing information with friends, acquaintances and even strangers. She further revealed that a survey which was carried with University students in Canada revealed that students are free to disclose and share information on Facebook rather than in general. Some positive consequences of using Facebook is keeping in touch with friends and family members without being together, making new friends and sharing valuable and social