Update: Thank you to all volunteers! I have already filled my quota, so no more participants are necessary. Still looking for a RA, though!
I am beginning a new research project that will look at older, recent adopters of social networking sites (the fastest-growing population on many sites). I am interested in how these users are using the sites, what motivated them to join, and how the sites benefit and affect their daily lives. The first part of the study involves in-depth interviews, for which I am currently recruiting participants. More information:
UNC-Chapel Hill researchers are conducting a study of recent adopters of social networking sites (Facebook, Myspace). We seek individuals, age 40 or older, who first joined a social networking site within the last two years. If you meet these criteria, we are interested in talking to you about why you joined the social networking site and what you do on the site.
To qualify for this research, you must be age 40 or older and have started using social networking sites within the last two years. Your participation is entirely voluntary. Individuals who wish to participate will be interviewed for one hour, and they will fill out a simple questionnaire. Participants will be compensated $10.00 for their time. Interviews can be in person, or remotely (over the phone, via Skype, etc.). To volunteer for participation, or ask any questions about the project, please email Principal Investigator Fred Stutzman at fred@fredstutzman.com. If you prefer, you may call 919-260-8508.
This research has been approved by the University of North Carolina Institutional Review Board, IRB-09-1303. Gary Marchionini, Ph.D., Cary C. Boshamer Distinguished Professor in the School of Information and Library Science, is faculty supervisor of this study.
Please feel free to pass this along to anyone who you think might be interested. If you are interested in this project, I am currently seeking a research assistant to help with transcription and analysis. This is a great job for a Master’s-level student looking for topical research experience.
