Cyberspace social interactions: A Malaysian case study of social networkings via Facebook

Social Interactions via Facebook is an acceptable trend nowadays. Having a Facebook profile is a necessity to remain in touch with old friends and new cyber acquaintances. Nonetheless, interactions through Facebook are considered as similar to conventional interactions in terms of types of behaviours demonstrated, the bases of those behaviors and the effects experienced from the behaviours. This article examines these similarities by surveying theFacebook social networkings and in-depth interviews of 15 postgraduate students residing in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia based on survey dan temu bual secara mendalam qualitative and quantitative research methods. The study found that the students’ Facebook social interactions and behaviours overlapped with their conventional non-cyber ones, particularly those which are based on values, interests and sentiments. Similarities were also observed between the effects of the students’ Facebook interactions and those of their conventional interactions , namely, social supports in obtaining information, relative ease in developing relationships, reduced loneliness, reduced stress and open mindedness. Overall, the findings revealed that social interactions via Facebook were semilar with those of face-to-face interactions.