Phetchabun High School Student’s Behaviors in Using Online Social Networks and Their Impact

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the online social network behavior and the impact on high school students in Phetchabun province and to look up on how to solve their problems. The samples were 380 students who study in high school in Phetchabun. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Results indicated that the most popular online social network was Facebook, which is 97.1%. The most student used internet to communicate with friends. The average online social network consumes rate per day were 5.59 hours. The online social network service charges per month were 416.77 Baht.

The impact of using online social network services was focused on emotional, social, studying and health factor. The impact of using online social network services related to the emotional factor revealed that most students were affected by the use of online social networks. It showed that when feeling isolated or being alone, the students often used online social networks to look for friends or track information having the most impact. The social factor presented that most students were affected by the use of online social networks. It was found that the family members were not satisfied when they used online social networks too much having the most impact. The studying factor indicated that most students were affected by the use of online social networks. It revealed that when having spare time, they often used online social networks before spending free time on doing other assigned activities having the most impact.  Moreover, it was found that they had lower grades due to the use of online social networks. The health factor revealed that most students were affected by the use of online social networks. When considering each aspect, it showed that they did not take enough rests. Those made them feel weak due to the use of online social networks too late having the most impact. 

For the comparison of average online social network consume rate per day, level of high school was significantly different at the level of 0.05, high school has an average online social network consume more than secondary school. The result of additional questionnaire was recommended the way to prevent online social network effect all network users. By parent should keep an eye on their child for social network usage, cultivating them to realize disadvantages and threats of it, and also supporting physical activities—e.g. going in for sports, playing music and volunteers’ camp etc.