Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of the social networking site ‘Facebook’ amongst its users. Quantitative research on this topic has tended to focus on campus-based student samples, and a qualitative approach and a non-student sample was selected here in order to generate richer data for analysis within a wider group of Facebook users. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with four participants, and data was analysed using a Thematic Analysis approach. Four major themes emerged from the data: ‘communication’, ‘knowledge of others’, ‘change in use over time’, and ‘the ‘dark side’ of Facebook’. Participants noted the utility of Facebook in enhancing communication and increasing knowledge of others, both close and distant friends. A general trend for fluctuating use of Facebook over time was reported. Concerns were raised over the possible addictive and psychologically or socially damaging impact of using Facebook. Differences also emerged between the constructions of how Facebook could be used, and the ways in which participants actually felt they used the site. Implications for the role of Facebook in both individual and wider social contexts are discussed, and directions for further research are suggested.