College Students' Use of Facebook During Their Transition to College: Mediated Belonging at a Small, Private, Liberal Arts College

Abstract

This study explored the effects of participation in a targeted Facebook group on students' sense of belonging as they transitioned to a small, private liberal arts college. Data collected through a mixed-method design illuminated the impact of participation in a targeted Facebook group on participants' sense of belonging as they made the transition to college. Evidence from this study indicates that students' participation in a targeted Facebook group may impact students' sense of belonging in various ways. Additional data indicate that the ways students engage with Facebook, their motivation to engage, the frequency of engagement and value attributed to such interactions are fluid. The intersection between perceived value, frequency and type of Facebook suggest taxonomy of Facebook usage. Understanding different types of usage will aid institutions in managing social media presence and determining best ways to introduce and engage new members within their communities.