Blog function revisited: a content analysis of MySpace blogs.
The present study concerns the content of MySpace blogs and whether it differs from the blog style found on sites specifically designed for blogging. A content analysis of MySpace blogs was conducted to investigate trends in purpose, format, and style and to compare these across sex and age categories. Most blogs were written in a positive tone, and the main motivations for blogging appeared to be writing a diary and as an emotional outlet. Findings also indicate that while there were no significant sex differences, blog purpose and style differed across age groups; for example, bloggers over 50 were more likely to use the blog as an emotional outlet with a negative tone. Bloggers between 18 and 29 predominantly used a semiformal language style, whereas bloggers over 30 were equally as likely to use a semiformal or formal style. Results suggest that MySpace blogs are not dissimilar from other forms of blogging because they provide an important outlet for emotion and self-expression.
Psychology Division, University of Wolverhampton, West Midlands, United Kingdom. c.fullwood@wlv.ac.uk
Chris
C
Fullwood
Natasha
N
Sheehan
Wendy
W
Nicholls
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D057218:Blogging; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003142:Communication; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010551:Personality; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D012919:Social Behavior; D012944:Social Support