Social Media Usage of Students, Role of Tie Strength, and Perceived Task Performance

The extensive use of social media has encouraged university teachers to consider employing social media as new e-learning platforms. This study explored the relationship between social media usage and constructive learning performance (perceived group task performance). Specifically, this work focused on the mediating role of communication in group and the moderating role of tie strength in online social networking. Survey data were collected from students in a senior-level business course. Students were asked to express their opinions on Facebook usage, communication in group, tie strength, and group performance. SmartPLS was used as the major data analysis tool. Results revealed that frequent social media usage of students led to increased communication among group members and that communication in group enhanced the perceived group task performance of students. Finally, tie strength negatively moderated the relationship between social media usage and communication in group.