Introduction
n the recent years, social networking sites
have gained phenomenal popularity among
youth. The birth of Facebook in 2004 has
enabled individuals all over the world to connect
to one another, communicate, develop and
maintain friendships. Facebook, the most
inexpensive and convenient way to communicate
with a social network and dubbed as the world’s
most well-liked social network service today has
grown to an estimated 1 billion users since its
launch in 2004. In Philippines alone, there are
about 30 million active users as of 2012– making it
as the 8th
country in the world with high number
of use.1
Studies indicated that among Facebook users,
college students in particular are the heavy users.
2 – 4 Facebook is used by about 85 to 96 percent of
college students according to previous studies
conducted. 5 – 7
In the Philippines, the largest age
group of Facebook users is currently 18 – 24with
total of 12 million users, followed by the users in
the age of 25 – 34. 1
Reasons for joining this site
include maintenance of relationship, to meet new
people, to communicate information, to express
their beliefs, and some used Facebook out of
boredom.8 – 10 This phenomenal advancement of
social networking is no doubt has revolutionized
the concept of socialization and communication
among adolescents.
In spite of the promising advantages t