Social media phenomena : understanding the perceived features of social media and its effect on user experiences and the frequency of usage.

الملخص EN

This study explores the adoption of various kinds of social media application and their effect on user experiences.

The study specifically investigates instant messaging applications (IMA) on the perceived features of IMA and user experiences.

IMA are vital communication mediums that are tremendously used for communication throughout the Gulf countries.

This study explores the phenomena of IMA trends and usage by examining user's contacts, experiences, and perceived features and its effect on use.

A quantitative method was used for data collection that was based on random questionnaire distribution in public and private universities in Kuwait.

Total sample size was 250 respondents.

Results show differences in males and females in their perception about IMA, where females have greater IMA experiences and perceive more features than males when using IMA.

Findings indicate the highest number of users (94.4% ) use WhatsApp, and second highest is (60.4% ) use Snap Chat.

User's experience is found highest (87.6% ) in text chatting, and second highest (70.4% ) in photo sending.

Results also show the highest number of contacts with whom they communicate is friends, and second highest with family.

Results also show that the most key features of IMA perceived by users is their ability to interact with groups at the same time, and second highest feature is that it is free of charge.