Title: Addiction to Online Communities
among
Varsity Students
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to
analyze
the crucial factors affecting university students’ addiction towards
online
communities. The study examines the effect of (i) the desire to connect
with
each other, (ii) the desire to earn money, and (iii) the desire to
share
files, as possible leads in university student’s addiction towards
online
community. Statistical analyses were carried out on responses to
questionnaires
to determine the significant contributor. Data were collected both
through
online and offline means. The study is still ongoing and this paper
presents
the preliminary findings of the research. Five hundred samples were
selected
upon filtration for data analysis in this study. Results reveal
connecting
with each other as the most important factor that contributes to
addiction
of university students towards online community. To facilitate the
adoption
of university students to online Communities, there are several factors
that
community managers can focus on: (a) notifier midget embedded in
internet
messaging system, (b) points given for participating in online forums,
(c)
flexibility in the online design and (d) ease of online
registration.
Authors: Robert J. Nathan, Wan Syahirah,
Tan
Khong Sin, Seethaletchumy Thambiah, and Lai Kim Piew
