User Perceptions of Music Content on Social Network Websites

by Cho, Yoon Hwa

This study addressed user perceptions of social network websites and music content based on uses and gratification. This method helped to analyze social network websites as a mass media channel and determine how websites were used by participants. Interviews for this research were conducted via online instant messenger tools including 23 participants from the Republic of Korea and the U.S. who were currently using MySpace and Cyworld via MySpace IM with Skype and NateOn messenger. All semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted in English. The results centered on three main themes: (1) Benefits of using social network websites, (2) benefits of using music content on social network websites, and (3) motivations to purchase music content on social network websites. General implications of utilizing personal websites were discussed based on these results.