Date Approved
8-6-2012
Embargo Period
3-3-2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. Public Relations
Department
Public Relations/Advertising
College
Ric Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts
Advisor
FitzGerald, Suzanne
Subject(s)
Social media; Social groups
Disciplines
Public Relations and Advertising
Abstract
The purpose of this study investigation was to ascertain the engagement levels of emerging-aged adults that affiliate and hold membership in groups both on and offline. In-person and online participation levels were examined, and motives for online activity on groups' social media pages were investigated to understand how profile identity formation played a role in emerging-aged adults' associations. Information acquired through this study assists in further examining Facebook and Twitter's influence on social capital production within groups. Group members demonstrated a preference for email and in-person communication over social networking sites, higher levels of offline engagement versus online, and an authenticity to join groups without the need to enhance their online self-image. The findings show that social media bears little weight on how group members organize to accomplish goals, seek information or form collective action in real-world terms.
Recommended Citation
Crawford, Emel, "Engaged or just "friends": using social media for membership engagement or identity management through group affiliations" (2012). Theses and Dissertations. 186.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/186
