Social media users’ perceptions of roles and responsibilities

Roberts, Jessica

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.14/54159

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Authors

Roberts, Jessica

Abstract(s)

Given how much the behavior of social media users influences the content displayed to other users— directly, through the content they post, and indirectly, through the content they click, watch, like, or comment on—assessing the attitudes shaping user behavior are essential to understanding and ultimately positively affecting content on social media sites. The purpose of this study was to understand how respondents perceive the role of social media user and the associated responsibilities. An online survey (n=395) asked users of several popular social media platforms how they view their role and that of other users, and who they say is currently responsible for and who should be responsible for various aspects of content on social media sites. Results of the survey indicate that a majority view social media companies or journalists as responsible for keeping users informed, maintaining civility on social media sites, and other obligations. The only area where the majority said users bear responsibility was to report harmful content. The survey results reveal how users see themselves as having little responsibility for the content on social media sites and expect social media companies and journalists to provide oversight.