A Proposed Study Examining The Effects Of Social Networking Use On Face-To-Face Communication

Although social networking tools have become pervasive, few studies have examined their potential downsides. In this proposed study, we examine the effects of Facebook on the friendship-making activities of college students. We hypothesize that increased social networking use will reduce the time that students spend face to face with their friends, as well as reduce the social connectedness with their friends. We also examine whether or not how students use social networking tools has a moderating effect on the hypothesized relationships.