Chapter 2: Investigating Intentionality in Preservice Teachers’ Personal and Professional Social Networking Site Usage

Social network sites (SNS) are capable of amplifying educators’ online activities, and for successful use, educators should be intentional with how they use SNS for personal and professional purposes. Approaching SNS use in unintentional ways leaves educators at risk for criticism from key stakeholder groups and professional consequences. To understand the professional-personal paradox that developing educators face when using SNS, we surveyed preservice teachers regarding their SNS use for personal and professional purposes. Using a descriptive approach, 137 preservice teachers were surveyed about their intentions to use SNS for personal and professional purposes. Results indicate that, in many ways, preservice teachers approach SNS for personal and professional purposes in significantly different ways, suggesting they incorrectly believe professional and personal use can fully be separated. Implications for research and practice are offered to support the development of preservice teachers and the efforts of those responsible for preparing them.