Netiquette Among Facebook and Twitter Users: A Textual Analysis

This study sought to find out people's level of observance on netiquette when using Facebook and Twitter. Specifically, it was set to do a content analysis on selected social media accounts in terms of the words used, linguistic approach, theme/topic and context of the posts. This study used both quantitative and qualitative types of research. Specifically, the researcher used analytical approach which is the content analysis. Also, she used an interview protocol. This study was conducted at Lucena City. A mass communication student, a psychology graduate and Christian leader were chosen to be the researcher's coders while five people from her friends'/follower's list was selected to be her interviewee. Results show that most of the respondents think that the main reasons why people use Facebook and Twitter are to express and share to people their thoughts and emotions and to keep in touch with their friends and family. It also shows that most of the respondents think that most Facebook and Twitter users have good observance on netiquette. Moreover, words used in posts are mostly acceptable and that the most common linguistic approach is informal. Most of the posts contain one's hobbies, personal life, greetings and joke. In addition, this study also shows that most of the posts are all personal. It must be recommended that users of Facebook and Twitter especially those young ones be reminded, through seminar or program, of the do's and don't's when using the social media. It is also recommended that programmers of Facebook and Twitter reinforce their policies in relation to online censorship. Although it is evaluated that most Facebook and Twitters users have good observance on netiquette, it is still recommended that people particularly the young ones to accept friend requests only from those whom they know personally. Also, it is recommended that further studies on netiquette be conducted. A thorough discussion and research on this concept shall be done.