THE USES AND GRATIFICATION OF FACEBOOK AMONG ADOLESCENTS, WORKING AGES AND ELDERLY

Abstract

This study aimed at examining the patterns of communication and uses of Facebook among adolescents, working ages and elderly. The study was mainly based on the conceptual framework of Katz's Uses and Gratification as a tool for interpreting the phenomena. The data were collected through in-depth interviews with the 3 aged groups: adolescents, working ages and elderly using both sexes – male and female who were residing in Chiang Rai Municipality and regularly communicating in Facebook. The findings revealed that the three aged groups used Facebook when they felt isolated and lonely, and Facebook led them to experience the world and to have more friends. Moreover, each Facebook user group used different communication patterns to get rid of their isolation and loneliness according to their social situations and attitudes based on their age condition. Among the three Facebook user groups, the adolescents’ using patterns reflected their selfness and identities; the working groups mirrored their exhaust and success from working, while the elder group focused on how to reunion among old friends.