Development of social media literacy

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 113 views

Path and Self-Disclosure: A Descriptive Study of Qualitative Social Media Path as a Means of Self-Disclosure of Computer Science Students at the University of North Sumatra

Introduction

In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives, providing a platform for people to connect, share, and express themselves. Among the various social media platforms available, Path has emerged as a unique platform that offers a new nuance in interpersonal communication. This study aims to explore the phenomenon of Path as a means of self-disclosure among students, particularly those from the Computer Science Study Program at the University of North Sumatra.

Background

Self-disclosure is a crucial aspect of human communication, allowing individuals to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with others. In the context of social media, self-disclosure can take many forms, including sharing personal experiences, interacting with friends, and expressing oneself. Path, as a social media platform, provides a unique space for students to engage in self-disclosure, allowing them to share their thoughts and feelings with others.

Methodology

This study employed a qualitative descriptive study design, which aimed to understand and describe the phenomena and situations experienced by the research subjects. The constructivist paradigm was used, focusing on how social media Path functions as a means of self-disclosure for students. The research subjects consisted of six students from the Computer Science Study Program at the University of North Sumatra.

Results

The results of the study show that each student as a Path user has a unique characteristic. However, there are similarities in the reasons they use Path, such as to share experiences, interact with friends, and express themselves. The topic of self-disclosure that arises also varies, including academic experience, hobbies, to personal life.

Analysis of Path Use

In the context of self-disclosure, Path not only serves as a platform for sharing information but also as a medium to build personal identity. Students often use Path to express thoughts, feelings, and experiences that may not be expressed in face-to-face interactions. This shows that Path becomes a safe space for them to show a deeper personal side.

In addition, diverse user characteristics can be a reflection of the social and cultural background of the students themselves. By using Path, they can interact with peers, provide support, and also look for social recognition. This shows that the use of social media is not only about communication but also about complex social interaction.

The diversity of topics posted also reflects that every individual has a uniqueness in the way they communicate and express themselves. This indicates that although the platforms used are the same, the experience produced can vary greatly. Therefore, it is essential to understand the context where this self-disclosure occurs, as it can provide deeper insights about social dynamics among students.

Conclusion

This study not only provides an overview of the use of social media Path but also opens insight into how social media can affect self-disclosure and social identity of students. The findings of this study have implications for further research on social media and self-disclosure among the younger generation, especially in the current digital era.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Further research on social media and self-disclosure: This study highlights the importance of understanding the role of social media in self-disclosure and social identity. Further research is needed to explore this phenomenon in more depth.
Development of social media literacy: As social media becomes increasingly important in our lives, it is essential to develop social media literacy among students. This can help them navigate the complexities of social media and use it in a responsible and effective manner.
Understanding the context of self-disclosure: This study emphasizes the importance of understanding the context where self-disclosure occurs. Further research is needed to explore the social and cultural factors that influence self-disclosure in different contexts.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The study only included six students from the Computer Science Study Program at the University of North Sumatra. A larger sample size would provide more generalizable findings.
Limited scope: The study only explored the use of Path as a means of self-disclosure among students. Further research is needed to explore other social media platforms and their role in self-disclosure.

Future Directions

This study provides a foundation for further research on social media and self-disclosure among the younger generation. Future studies can explore the following directions:

Comparative study of social media platforms: A comparative study of different social media platforms can provide insights into the unique features and functions of each platform and their role in self-disclosure.
Longitudinal study of self-disclosure: A longitudinal study of self-disclosure can provide insights into the development of self-disclosure over time and the factors that influence it.
Exploration of social media literacy: Further research is needed to explore the development of social media literacy among students and its impact on self-disclosure and social identity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Path and Self-Disclosure

Q: What is Path and how does it relate to self-disclosure?

A: Path is a social media platform that allows users to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with others. In the context of self-disclosure, Path provides a unique space for individuals to express themselves and share their personal experiences with others.

Q: What are the benefits of using Path for self-disclosure?

A: Using Path for self-disclosure can have several benefits, including:

Providing a safe space for individuals to express themselves and share their personal experiences
Allowing individuals to connect with others who share similar interests and experiences
Enabling individuals to build and maintain relationships with others
Providing a platform for individuals to share their thoughts and feelings with others

Q: What are the limitations of using Path for self-disclosure?

A: While Path can be a useful tool for self-disclosure, there are several limitations to consider, including:

The potential for cyberbullying and online harassment
The risk of sharing personal information that may be sensitive or private
The potential for individuals to misrepresent themselves or their experiences online
The limitations of online communication, which may not be as effective as face-to-face communication

Q: How can individuals use Path effectively for self-disclosure?

A: To use Path effectively for self-disclosure, individuals should:

Be mindful of their online presence and the information they share
Use Path to connect with others who share similar interests and experiences
Be honest and authentic in their online interactions
Use Path to build and maintain relationships with others

Q: What are the implications of this study for educators and policymakers?

A: The findings of this study have several implications for educators and policymakers, including:

The need to develop social media literacy among students, including the ability to use social media effectively and responsibly
The importance of providing a safe and supportive online environment for students to express themselves and share their experiences
The need to address the potential risks and limitations of social media, including cyberbullying and online harassment
The importance of promoting online safety and well-being among students

Q: What are the implications of this study for parents and caregivers?

A: The findings of this study have several implications for parents and caregivers, including:

The need to be aware of their child's online activities and to monitor their use of social media
The importance of having open and honest conversations with their child about social media and online safety
The need to educate their child about social media literacy and online safety
The importance of promoting online safety and well-being among their child

Q: What are the implications of this study for future research?

A: The findings of this study have several implications for future research, including:

The need to explore the role of social media in self-disclosure and social identity among different age groups and populations
The importance of examining the impact of social media on mental health and well-being
The need to develop and test interventions to promote social media literacy and online safety among students
The importance of exploring the potential benefits and limitations of social media for self-disclosure and social identity.