pimentel, quijada chapter 1

Chap 1
1. would probably be seen
2. new “it” thing. (What’s this)
3. primary state university,
4. whether good or bad, allows the professors to understand the situations of the students in adapting today’s
5. well-improved intro
Chapter I
INTRODUCTION

Rationale of the Study

Ten years ago, a typical college student of the University of The Philippines would probably be seen reading a book or even studying during his free time. But times have changed and the traditional books have now been replaced with high-tech laptops complete with the free wi-fi access of the campus. So to speak, the wonders of the worldwide web have lured the students to engage in online activities such as social networking and apparently Facebook is now considered as the new “it” thing.

When Facebook was created by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004, it has attracted millions of users around the world thus becoming a global phenomenon. As a social networking site, it acts as a virtual community designed to connect users with one another. According to Facebook Statistics (2011), Facebook has more than 500 million active members, and 50% of the active members log on to Facebook in any given day. With the various social networks that have spread all throughout the web, Facebook is reportedly the leading social networking site among the college students (Matthew, 2006)

As college students in a primary state university, we are constantly bombarded with schoolwork and academic-related activities as we strive to live up to the expectations of the true Iskolar ng Bayan spirit. But with the increasing trend of Facebook among college students, the students’ priorities and ability to manage their time is being questioned.

The use of Facebook can be a distraction to their studies and at the same time, it can be a useful social network that helps them communicate with fellow students. According to Robert and Boogart (2008), Facebook is also used to facilitate social interaction as members of their institutions. But even if Facebook acts a tool to establish communication along with its several advantages, there is still a possibility that the students’ scholastic responsibilities will be affected. The time spent by the students in Facebook may relatively affect the time they have left for their studies.

Hence, this study will further explore the frequency of Facebook use among the UP Cebu Freshmen students and the possible adverse effects on their studies. This research will potentially help us understand the situations of the students in adapting today’s trend of using social networks such as Facebook, knowing that as college students, we will soon be stepping out into the real world where a bigger future awaits us.


Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the frequency in using Facebook among the University of the Philippines Cebu Freshmen Students and its effects on their studies. Specifically, it seeks to accomplish the following objectives:

1. To know the common reasons that hook UP Cebu Freshmen students to Facebook.
2. To identify what is in Facebook that makes UP Cebu Freshmen students to use it.
3. To know how many hours UP Cebu Freshmen students use Facebook in a day.
4. To find out and evaluate if Facebook has affected the academic performances of the UP Cebu Freshmen students in some ways.

Significance of the Study

This study on the Frequency of Using Facebook among UP Cebu Freshmen students and its Effects on their studies benefit the following:

UP Cebu Freshmen students. This study helps the respondents, freshmen students of UP Cebu, to understand Facebook’s possible effects on their studies. Being part of this University, the freshmen know the responsibility of living out the true Iskolar ng Bayan spirit who knows how to manage his/her responsibilities between education and leisure. This study will help the freshmen manage their activities especially that the University of the Philippines carries the value of professionalism among students despite the demands of the institution and high expectations towards the students.

UP Cebu Higher Year Levels. The study does not only include the freshmen students but also all the students of the University. Each student of UP Cebu shares the same sentiments upon living up the demands of the University. This study appears to be relevant to the students’ lives since apart from being a student; one has to unwind from all the stress, thus having Facebook as an option for entertainment. This study will benefit them for knowing the relationship between Facebook and their studies, and come up with certain measures or solutions of the problems that may appear in relation to the social network.

UP Cebu Faculty. This study benefits the UP Cebu faculty because it ensures that the accumulated knowledge of the college students from the teachings of their professors will not be put to waste. The acknowledgement of the possible effects of Facebook, whether good or bad, allows the professors to understand the situations of the students in adapting today’s. As educators of the pioneering state college, the success emerge of the teaching profession arise when the students acquire the right knowledge from them.

Parents. This study will benefit the parents in such a way that in knowing Facebook’s effects towards their child’s studies, they can save their child from Facebook addiction or any other possible effects of Facebook and can come up with some ways in controlling the activities of their child, especially the internet use. Parents can help their child manage their time and balance studies and leisure at home. Parents can benefit in this study through forming their child to be a responsible college student.