A framework for analysing types of user information on social networking sites

Social Networking Sites (SNS) are web-based applications used by a very large number of users for networking and communication by posting different types of information on their SNS. While some of the information posted on SNS can prove to be useful for users, making the users as well as their achievements known to a wider set of people, some information can be a cost to users such as expressing anger, being critical or abusive, voicing political opinions or racist connotations. To date, there is no information classification scheme that can help users determine useful and detrimental SNS information. This paper classifies types of information users post on SNS by grouping them into categories guided by literature, to establish information types that can have useful outcomes and types of information that can have a detrimental impact on users. It adds to the theory of SNS on types of user information, as well as guide practitioners for SNS design so that it is a useful networking tool with little negative ramifications.