Bit Briefs

While the study of 219 OSU graduate and undergraduate students did not uncover a direct cause-and-effect link between Facebook use and lower grades, it did uncover a relationship that, they said, could merit further exploration.

85% of undergraduates were Facebook users, while 52% of graduate students had accounts.

Facebook users in the study had GPAs between 3.0 and 3.5, while non-users had GPAs between 3.5 and 4.0.

Facebook users say they averaged one to five hours a week studying, while non-users studied 11 to 15 hours per week.

Students who spent more time working at paid jobs were less likely to use Facebook, while students who were more involved in extracurricular activities at school were more likely to use Facebook.

Science, technology, engineering, math and business majors were more likely to use Facebook than were students majoring in the humanities and social sciences.

There were no differences in Facebook use between different members of racial and ethnic groups that were part of the study, or between men and women.

Younger and full-time students were more likely to be Facebook users.

About the study: The research was conducted among 219 students at OSU, including 102 undergraduate students and 117 graduate students. Of the participants, 148 said they had a Facebook account. Karpinski conducted the study with Adam Duberstein of Ohio Dominican University. Read more at www.marketingcharts.com