Facebook and its uses and gratifications: a study of Palestinian students at a Public University in Malaysia

Alakklouk, Bader and Mokhtar, Aida (2017) Facebook and its uses and gratifications: a study of Palestinian students at a Public University in Malaysia. Forum Komunikasi, 12 (1). pp. 71-103. ISSN 0127-8991 E-ISSN 0128-2379

PDF - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (401kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

This study explores the uses and gratifications theory on the use of Facebook among Palestinian students at a public university in Malaysia. The theory posits that individuals actively choose media channels or media content to satisfy their needs. In-depth interviews were conducted among 12 heavy users of facebook. These participants comprise Palestinian students of a public university in Malaysia. As it is, Facebook is a convenient platform to express ideas and opinions on the Palestine crisis making it popular amongst Palestinian users particularly with the Palestine-Israel conflict that is taking place now in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Jerusalem. The findings of the study identify the needs gratified by Facebook: connecting, source of news and information, freedom of expression, entertainment and academic purposes. The reasons why Facebook gratifies the public university’s Palestinian students’ needs is because Facebook is perceived as a convenient platform, is a famous social networking site (SNS), provides entertainment and allows the freedom of expression. The participants pointed out three improvements that are required from Facebook: improving the privacy of users, cutting advertisements and allowing more freedom of expression.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	2646/72851
Uncontrolled Keywords:	U&G, FB, Palestine
Subjects:	P Language and Literature > P Philology. Linguistics > P87 Communication. Mass media
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Communication Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences
Depositing User:	Dr. Aida Mokhtar
Date Deposited:	28 Jun 2019 16:46
Last Modified:	28 Jun 2019 16:46
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/72851

Actions (login required)

View Item