Identifier

etd-04242012-142932

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Human Resource Education and Workforce Development

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the use and determine the preferred method of social media among 4-H alumni in Louisiana. Based on a review of literature, communicating with youth through social media has become a major trend and necessity, especially among 4-H Youth Development and Cooperative Extension Service professionals. The Zammit Social Media Questionnaire, a 24-item instrument that includes multiple choice, multiple answer, open-ended, ranking, and Likert scale questions, was developed and administered online to 161 Louisiana 4-H alumni who received the 2011 Louisiana 4-H Senior Honor Cord and provided usable e-mails. The final response count was 32, representing a 19.9% response rate. The overall preferred method of social media among Louisiana 4-H alumni was Facebook and text messaging. A majority of 4-H alumni use their smart phones or personal computers to utilize social media. Some of the primary reasons that 4-H alumni use social media are to communicate friends, view photographs, and become updated with current events. Less than 13% of surveyed 4-H alumni use blogs, less than 7% use Google Circles or discussion boards, and less than 4% use Flickr. Overall, 100% of surveyed 4-H alumni use some form of social media. Majority of the respondents were Caucasian, females, lived in rural areas, and have completed or are enrolled in a 4-year college program. They participated in 4-H for 9 years and were not a member of a parish 4-H Junior Leadership Club.

Date

2012

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Machtmes, Krisanna

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.1409

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