Facebook in Malta : usage, behaviour and attitudes amongst undergraduates and factory workers

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the ways in which two contrasting target populations of Maltese undergraduates and factory workers use the social networking site of Facebook. Textbooks, articles, journals and online sources were accessed in order to get a better understanding of previously conducted studies. By means of quantitative questionnaires, respondents’ aged between 18 and 25 were asked a series of questions relating to Facebook and the ways in which they use it. The results obtained outline the differences, as well as similarities between the two target populations. Focus was placed on issues such as the negative and positive uses of Facebook, as well as education and self-presentation. Undergraduates were found to engage in much more negative behaviour than factory workers, with respondents admitting to their habits and reasons for using Facebook. Issues were raised with regards to negative behaviours and concern regarding validation from one’s peers. In an effort to combat these issues, educational seminars and constructive workshops are recommended so as to help youths, especially undergraduates, focus less on social networking sites and more on face-to-face interaction, as well as make them more aware of the harmful consequences of negative behaviour on Facebook.