University of Missouri researcher Kevin Wise is interested in what people really do on Facebook and how they feel while doing “social browsing” versus “social searching.” Other studies about social networking sites have involved asking people to recall their online behaviors and feelings, but Wise went farther: he recorded what thirty-six participants actually looked at, as well as the physiological responses they had which were associated with motivation and emotion!
Wise categorized participants’ Facebook activities into two different groups: social browsing and social searching. He defined social browsing as looking around on Facebook without a specific goal in mind, such as looking at one’s own news feed or wall. He defined social searching as searching with the goal of finding certain information about a specific person, group, or event. In the study, it turns out that the participants spent most of their time on social browsing and social searching, but the physiological data indicated that participants experienced more pleasure during the course of social searching than they experienced during social browsing.
“We found a more positive response from participants during social searching, or when they had homed in on a particular target,” Wise said. “Ultimately, it appears that Facebook use is largely a series of transitions between browsing the environment, then focusing in on something interesting or relevant.”
This is hardly a surprise to me. If I’m bored, yet too lazy to get up and really do anything, I may aimlessly browse the internet, just clicking from one thing to the next. There’s no special good feeling there, except some mild entertainment for my brain. But give me something to really “investigate,” whether it’s looking for an answer to a problem I’m having with something I’m working on or trying to track down an old friend, and suddenly I’m engaged and actively enjoying myself. We like to play games; we like to watch sports; we like the challenge of “the hunt,” whether that hunt is for an outfit on sale or for a rare baseball card. Being interested and seeking answers is a lot more satisfying than just passively receiving whatever comes our way.
Do you agree? Do you have more fun when you’re looking for your friends or information on Facebook or other social media, or do you just enjoy having it wash over you? 
Reference: K. Wise, S. Alhabash and H. Park. “Emotional Responses during Social Information Seeking on Facebook.” CyberPsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking (2010)
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In my case, in the morning when I open my facebook account, I got nothing in mind but to browse and see what’s up with my friends. Later on, when something caught my interest, I’m beginning to shift from browsing to searching. That’s the common thing that happens to me, then I find myself wanting more details about what’s real deal behind the status or photo.
Yep – and apparently if you’re like most people, you’re enjoying that searching part more than just the browsing. This is one of those things that I’m amazed anyone did a study about, yet it was kind of fun to read about and write about.
bit like when you browse a newspaper – when you find something of interest you tend to zone in on it.
I find I tend to start browsing, unitl something grabs my attention
Exactly! It’s so much more satisfying when something does grab our attention.
the first thing i do is check any notification, message and any friend request that’s it
It’s interesting that they were able to figure this out, and if you think about it it’s not that surprising because this applies to many aspects of our lives. As they say, “The fun is in the chase!”
The results really are not surprising – but I guess I’m surprised someone did a study about it.
Everyday morning, when i come to my office first i check facebook that any notifications, any friend request or does anyone online in facebook. then i start my routine official task.
the first thing when i log check for any friend request notification and when done with this i chk some of the application
i come n first open facebook check every notification, friend request and then work on my task..
i am so addicted to facebook that after i login to facebook i check my notifications and then in the middle of my work at regular intervals i keep on accessing facebook:D
very interesting in your post separation visitors Facebook really is a great sign for division, and the second category have to work most actively, because among them are the future partners or customers.
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I can totally agree with those findings. For some reason, an old high school friend popped into my head the other day, and I had that “aha!” feeling when I found him.
By the way, the site looks awesome. It had been a while since I visited (wasn’t there a post quite a while back that you were scaling back?). I love the new (to me) look.
That “aha!” sure is fun!
Thanks Evan! Yes, since I just couldn’t decide what topic to really focus on, I slowed ‘way down here. I recently bought three domains for niche sites, so I’m working on those a lot.
This look is new to me too! I was reading blogs during lunch one day last week and found one that looked so cool – I had to check out the theme. I’m using a different color scheme and different home page widgets than she is, so hopefully it’s not too bad to be a copycat.
I am more of a browser than a searcher. It is only when I am really bored I end up searching. Although that is probably more times than I would like to admit!
Facebook. I have it, never go on it and people complain to me for not going on it. I only got cause I was bored.
i am more of a browser than a searcher
Well i am badly addicted with Facebook must say that! I start my day by checking Facebook notifications, friend requests, etc., and begin with my routine office work.
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