Inequalities in Facebook use

• Little research has examined digital inequalities in social networking website use.
• This study used a large sample to examine digital inequalities in Facebook usage.
• Women were more likely to use Facebook for communication.
• African Americans were less likely to use Facebook to check up on friends.
• Those from lower SES were less likely to use Facebook for communication and sharing.

While research has examined digital inequalities in general Internet use, little research has examined inequalities in social networking website use. This study extends previous research by examining how Facebook use is related to student background characteristics. Analyses were conducted to assess differences in time spent and activities performed on Facebook using a large sample (N = 2359) of college students. Results showed that women were more likely to use Facebook for communication, African Americans were less likely to use Facebook to check up on their friends, and students from lower socioeconomic levels were less likely to use Facebook for communication and sharing. Implications for education, communication, and student outcomes are presented.