Exploring the Impact of Facebook and Myspace Use on First-Year Students' Sense of Belonging and Persistence Decisions

In recent years, scholars have focused on students' use of social networking sites (SNSs) such as Myspace and Facebook. Research about such technologies is largely descriptive or based on theoretical assumptions and anecdotal evidence, although some authors have studied frequency of use, adoption of technology, and computer usage among college students. Relatively few empirical studies exist that measure demographic differences in first-year college students' use of SNSs and even fewer that estimate the relationship between first-year students' use of SNSs and measures of student persistence. Based on survey data from 755 first-year students, multivariate analyses revealed significant demographic differences in first-year students' frequency of use of SNSs and mixed results about the influence of SNS use on sense of belonging and persistence decisions. Findings highlight an important gap in our current knowledge and praxis in student affairs.