Positive and Negative Effects of the Use of Social Media Sites on the Students of the Faculty of Agriculture (Damascus University)

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the reasons behind the subscribing of the students of faculty of agriculture, Damascus University in social media sites, and the revealing of the positive and negative effects resulting from the use of these sites.The study was conducted on a sample of 250 students, using a questionnaire to identify the different uses of social media according to their importance to the student, duration of use, reasons for using it, and students feedback about the positive and negative effects as a result of the use of social media. The study concluded that most of the students are using social media to get the news revolving around them and to communicate with friends then family, and meet new friends. The results also indicate that the most positive effects is communication with friends and relatives, both inside and outside the country, to have a look on the university news. One of the most important negative effects of the use of social media technologies is wasting time and money and causing isolation and weak interaction with the community.