Identity construction and gender involvement in online social networks among undergraduates in two universities, Southwest Nigeria
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Date
2013-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zululand
Abstract
In this paper, we explore identity construction and gender involvement of Nigerian undergraduates in online social
networks. This paper presents the qualitative findings on identity construction and gender involvement of Nigerian
undergraduates in online social networks. This was with a view to investigating the reasons for the increasing participation
of young people in online social networks. The study examines their views on what constitutes an identity and the
rationale for adopting a particular identity in online social networks. Qualitative data were collected through four focus
Group Discussions and twenty in-depth interviews (IDI) among undergraduate students from two universities in
Southwest Nigeria. The findings reveal identity construction in online social interactions as a frequent occurrence and an
extension of real life. Trust in online relationships develops overtime depending on frequency and nature of interactions.
However, gender influences young people’s online activities, as more females than males tend to construct their online
social identities using photographs in particular with symbolic interpretations. In addition, there are perceived risks of
involvement, especially those relating to privacy in online social networks. Hence, the findings call for diverse
interrogations of the contexts and dimensions of involvement in online social networks among youths and how such
interactions could influence further positive outcomes.
Description
Peer reviewed article published under Inkanyiso, Volume 5, Issue 1, Jan 2013, p. 41 - 52
Keywords
Gender identity, Social networking, undergraduate students, Online Networking, Nigerian Universities
Citation
Agunbiade, O.M., Obiyan, M.O. and Sogbaike, G.B., 2013. Identity construction and gender involvement in online social networks among undergraduates in two universities, Southwest Nigeria. Inkanyiso: Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 5(1), pp.41-52.