"What value do users derive from social networking applications?" by Neale and Russell-Bennett

This study discusses Facebook users' desire to use applications on the site. Users are more obliged to use applications if they feel it will appear as "cool" by their friends. Female users are far more likely to use applications that provide self-expression or emotional value, while males are more likely to engage in competition applications.

The authors explain four categories that the applications generate on Facebook: emotional, functional, social, and altruistic (humane). Emotional values provide enjoyment, fantasy, and entertainment. Functional values create performance and technical features. Social values offer interaction with others using the application. And finally, altruistic values provide applications that help organizations or individuals.

The popularity of applications seems to be derived by users’ perception that the application is "cool." The authors explain that users want to build their status or popularity with their friends by offering applications that are seen as hip. Advertisers are trying to cash in on these cool apps, but have not had success with delivering a product that users would be interested in engaging with.

On a personal note, I do agree with the study's definition of how users become engaged with these applications. I began using Facebook a little over a year ago. Initially, I engage in many applications. It was novel and different. I invited friends to use applications and vice-versa. As time went on, the novelty began to subside and my use of the applications became fewer and farther between. Now I find myself rarely using the applications, only when I have time on my hands or see a particular application that is of interest to me do I engage in it. So what does this mean for the applications? I am one person, but I know many of my friends are not using these applications as frequently either. The applications will have to become more demographic specific and offer far more interesting features in order to invoke engagement with the Facebook user. There are only so many "when will you die?" or "what is your ideal career?" applications that will continue to interest users.