The main uses and gratifications of Facebook use for international students in Hawaiʻi

Abstract

The present study examined Facebook use by international students. Two focus group discussions were conducted to explore the reasons international students first decided to use Facebook and the reasons they continue to use Facebook. Data from the focus group discussions was used to develop an online questionnaire. Analysis of the questionnaire data from 84 international students attending the University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa, the University of Hawaiʻi, Hilo, and Kapi'olani Community College indicated that they used Facebook for communication, professional reasons, and personal reasons, such as self-expression. This study also examined the relationship between the reasons motivating continued Facebook use, extent of Facebook use, and intercultural sensitivity. The reasons for using Facebook predicted the amount of Facebook use. No relationship was found between Facebook use, the reasons for using Facebook, and intercultural sensitivity. Implications were discussed.