The role of Social Networks in Influencing the Behavior of University Students during the Period of Home Quarantine during the Spread of the Corona Pandemic

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the effect of the use of social networking sites on the behavior of university students at Qatar University during the period of home quarantine, It relied on the media survey method through a simple random sample of female students at Qatar University (College of Arts and Sciences) (602) questionnaire forms were distributed via the Internet. The study relied on the theory of uses and gratifications and the theory of media dependence as a theoretical input.

The results of the study found that the students’ behavior changed during the quarantine period, as the hours of browsing social - networking sites increased, because these sites are characterized by multiple characteristics that make the user addicted to using them. The study also resulted in the period of university students reading books and magazines becoming limited or non-existent due to the extended time of using social- networking sites. The results also showed that the use of social- networking sites for long hours distanced the majority of the study sample from following various traditional media such as newspapers, radio and television during the time of home garantine We recorded a percentage of (50.80%) that excluded traditional media a large way and (33%) that excluded traditional media in a limited way.