Facebook as New Field for soeial interaction - A field study in mosul city Assist -
Abstract
During the past decade the world has witnessed many interrelated and complex changes such as the stride leap in communication and media. Using the internet mobile phones and satellite channels is an indication of human development in any country. The various applications and tasks these services offer turned them to a source of attraction to the teens and young people. Some of the most attractive applications are the famous social networks including Facebook and My Space. They have become an integral part of life in many societies that the number of subscribers have swelled tremendously. The Arab world is more and more fascinated by facebook which holds many personal information of the users such as private parties photos and much more about their interests and attitudes. Therefore it is believed that this part of people's life should be given more care in researches and studies not only in electronic applications but in social studies as well. These networks are truly affecting the society and its traditional institutions. Facebook is one of the manifestations of communication revolution it is an interaction tool that may give social reality a new dimension it a has positive and negative effects depending on the users themselves. The aim of this study is investigating interaction patterns resulting from using modern communication devices. To show the effect the facebook has on these patterns to identify the reasons behind its popularity and to unveil the social outcomes associated with this pattern. This study has adopted a fieldwork that included 50 young test-subjects who have accounts on facebook. The study has come up with the following: 1- Facebook is a modern phenomenon that has appeawed showed up in our society and has rapidly spread and became an essential part of young peoples lives. 2- The test-subjects the young in particular try to establish new friendships and to broaden their relations with others. 3- Young people try to find lost space of social and political freedom in their societies and to express their opinions. 4- Test-subjects attempt to make changes in their societies by spreading and looking for new ideas on facebook. Finally we would like to offer the following recommendations: 1- Guiding people towards an optimum use of social sites in a way that best serve our own Arabic culture. 2- Consolidating self control and consciousness among young people. 3- Internet is a public service and not a private one therefore we are supposed to behave in a way that suits such public service. Moreover its important to remember the consequences of what we may post or publish in networks and to be aware of what is being written or read of photos and texts. 4- Strengthening and encouraging our own institutions including the family,by supporting constructive dialogue among its members,and given them more freedom to express their political,social and cultural ideas that make them stay away from other sources.