Perception of Positive Roles of Social Media: Outcome of a Preliminary Opinion Survey in Bangladesh

Abstract

The present research aimed to explore social media users’ perceptions of the positive roles of social media. Several positive social media roles were identified from the literature. The educated segment of social media users was selected and surveyed using a Google Forms-based self-administered questionnaire. A total of 178 Facebook users voluntarily participated in the survey. The outcomes indicate that social media captures users’ attention on social issues, followed by politics, economics, and other vital topics. Sharing and acquiring knowledge and skills, connecting with friends and family, and sharing current affairs are the most critical uses of social media instead of entertainment. Respondents agree that social media has the potential to increase awareness, change attitudes, and foster a sense of responsibility compared to television and newspapers. Social media users may be responsible or irresponsible. This study contributes to the positive social media use literature, which is limited in Bangladesh. It may also guide policymakers to promote more positive social media use among university students who can harness its potential effectively. Future studies may involve large-scale surveys and the application of structural equation modeling.