Student reactions to "friend" requests from unlikely sources

Authors

Katherine Karl, Marshall University
Joy Peluchette, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

36890

Publication Details

Karl, K. & Peluchette, J. (2009). Student reactions to "friend" requests from unlikely sources. Southern Management Association: 2009 Meeting Proceedings (pp. 1-6). Asheville, NC: Southern Management Association.

Abstract

This study examined student reactions to Facebook “friend” requests from their professor, boss and mother. We found students were most likely to accept a “friend” request and to have positive reactions (amused, pleased, honored) to such requests from their boss or mother. The more positive the students’ opinion of the “friend” request source, the more likely they were to have positive reactions and the less likely they were to have negative reactions. Significant gender differences were also found. These findings and implications for management educators are discussed.