Abstract:
Social network platforms play a critical role in students’ social integration. The study sought to investigate on the social network platforms and their influence on social integration in public universities in Uganda. The study was informed by the problem statement that much effort have been invested to institute both informal and formal social networks in the public universities, but they have not been used to serve the purpose for which they were intended. To achieve this claim, the study was guided by the following specific objectives: To examine the nature and attributes of social groups that influence social integration in public Universities in Uganda, to assess the effectiveness of traditional social networks in building social integration in public Universities in Uganda, to establish the contribution of modern social networks in building social integration in public Universities in Uganda and to analyze the administrative measures for social integration in public Universities in Uganda The research was informed by three theories: social network theory, theory of social integration and functionalist and gratification theory. The research employed a mixed-method research (quantitative and qualitative research) designs in its attempt to describe and analyse social network platforms. It employed two relevant methods: descriptive and evaluative. The study targeted 8 public universities in Uganda with a target population of 266 students groups. It employed multi-stage sampling technique, comprising of purposive and simple random sampling to select 57 students groups with a total of 456 respondents from five selected public universities. Purposive sampling was used to sample 20 staff four from each university. Therefore, the total target population was 576. Data collection tools comprised of questionnaires and interview schedules. The findings revealed that majority of students’ groups in Ugandan public universities have regional, ethnic and tribal affiliations. Provided social network platforms are abused, which make it difficult for proper and cohesive integration of students. The study recommended universities’ administration to formulate accommodative policies that properly regulate the use of social network platforms. The study also recommended public universities to strengthen organs and institutions that deal with proper management of social networks in their instructions.
