Online Social Networking, Interactions, and Relations: Students at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein

Sello J. Sele; Jan K. Coetzee; Florian Elliker; Cornie Groenewald; Sethulego Z. Matebesi

doi:10.18778/1733-8077.14.4.07

Authors

Sello J. Sele Sello J. Sele, Jan K. Coetzee, Florian Elliker, Sethulego Z. Matebesi - University of the Free State, South Africa
Jan K. Coetzee
Florian Elliker University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, University of the Free State, South Africa
Cornie Groenewald Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Sethulego Z. Matebesi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/1733-8077.14.4.07

Keywords:

Online Social Networking (OSN), Social Network Sites (SNS), Social Interaction, Identity

Abstract

Online social networking (OSN) is an activity performed through social network sites (SNS) such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Instagram. OSN has become a dominant interaction mechanism within contemporary society. Online platforms are woven inextricably into the fabric of individuals’ everyday lives, especially those of young adults. We present a mixed-methods study—conducted at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein—that analyzes how students reflect on their everyday experiences of OSN. The key theoretical frameworks guiding this research are phenomenology, existentialism, and reflexive sociology. These theoretical lenses collectively assist in broadening our understanding of the students’ experiences that reveal the complexities associated with their interactions and social relations via SNS. From their narratives we learn how the students make sense of their engagements on SNS, how these engagements have an impact on their social interactions, and how OSN affects their self-presentation.

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Author Biographies

Sello J. Sele, Sello J. Sele, Jan K. Coetzee, Florian Elliker, Sethulego Z. Matebesi - University of the Free State, South Africa

Sello J. Sele obtained his Master’s degree in the program The Narrative Study of Lives, Department of Sociology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Jan K. Coetzee

Jan K. Coetzee is a Senior Professor of Sociology and Director of the program The Narrative Study of Lives in the Department of Sociology at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. He specializes in qualitative sociology and serves on several international advisory boards.

Florian Elliker, University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, University of the Free State, South Africa

Florian Elliker is a Research Fellow in the program The Narrative Study of Lives, Department of Sociology at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. He is also a Senior Lecturer in the Institute of Sociology, University of St. Gallen, Switzerland.

Cornie Groenewald, Stellenbosch University, South Africa

Cornie Groenewald is a Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Sethulego Z. Matebesi

Sethulego Z. Matebesi is a Senior Lecturer and the Academic Head of the Department of Sociology at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. He specializes in social movements and protest action.

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