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ERIC Number: ED591473
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 227
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-0-4385-3145-1
ISSN: EISSN-
EISSN: N/A
Social Media and the College Student Journey: An Examination of How Social Media Use Impacts Social Capital and Affects College Choice, Access, and Transition
Horvath-Plyman, Melissa
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, New York University
Research indicates social media is highly influential on college choice. Some studies indicate the possibility of social media increasing access and helping support transition to college. To understand the effects or influence social media may have on college choice, access, and transition, this research study asked students how they used social media - to research and understand college opportunities, while transitioning to college, and while attending college. The study also focused on which types of social media content and sources students found most valuable and relevant. Building on the conceptual frameworks of Social Capital and Perspectivity Framework, this study collected data through an online survey, in-depth interviews, and narrative analysis. This study found that social media is moderately to highly influential on college choice for most prospective students, but was not as influential as some other studies indicate. Social media was cited as one of many highly influential factors on college choice including parents, family members, college admissions counselors, websites, and college visits. The most valuable social media content for students is the perspectives and lived experiences of other current students, which helped provide insight into the authentic student life at each college. For transition, social media was found to be a supportive source and many students connected with friends and roommates through social media between high school and college. Social media was found to be beneficial in increasing access, although results varied based on the level of use. Many students indicated their social media networks included people they did not know in-person and whom they interacted with for advice and information on college indicating social media does help expand social capital for college-bound students. First-generation students showed a significant increase in access and understanding of their opportunities through their social media interactions. Students of Color, who were also high social media users, benefitted from the perspectives of other students like them and insight into the racial climate and diversity on campuses. All of the students were interested in the perspectives of other students to help them understand the genuine and authentic student experience at colleges of interest. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Secondary Education; High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A