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Publication Date

2008-01-01

Availability

UM campus only

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Communication Studies (Communication)

Date of Defense

2008-04-29

First Committee Member

Dr. Diane M. Millette - Committee Chair

Second Committee Member

Dr. Thomas Steinfatt - Committee Member

Third Committee Member

Dr. Donn James Tilson - Outside Committee Member

Abstract

This study addressed user perceptions of social network websites and music content based on uses and gratification. This method helped to analyze social network websites as a mass media channel and determine how websites were used by participants. Interviews for this research were conducted via online instant messenger tools including 23 participants from the Republic of Korea and the U.S. who were currently using MySpace and Cyworld via MySpace IM with Skype and NateOn messenger. All semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted in English. The results centered on three main themes: (1) Benefits of using social network websites, (2) benefits of using music content on social network websites, and (3) motivations to purchase music content on social network websites. General implications of utilizing personal websites were discussed based on these results.

Keywords

Music Content; Myspace; Cyworld; Online; Social Network Websites

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