Sociological Perspectives of Social Media, Expression, and Opinions: An Empirical Evidence

Tanjila Shabnam, Suraiya Akter

Abstract

This study examines the association between social media and new waysin the expression of opinion among the students at Dhaka International University, which is one of the leading higher educational institutions in Bangladesh. Data were collected from 100 students from four departments of the university using a structured questionnaire.The study findsthat social media has become increasingly popular among students as it allows them to express their opinions freely and quickly. The study has also identified the negative effectsand potential benefits of social media use. On the negative side social media can contribute to the flourishing of foreign cultures among students, which can lead to new styles in expression of opinion that may be threating for traditional values. On the positive side, the study found that social media can be used to gather knowledge, promote education, and facilitate social movements.