AN ANALYSIS OF HOW RANGATAHI MĀORI USE SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

Social networking sites (SNSs) have changed the ways in which we communicate and connect with others, forming new ways of communicating, building relationships, accessing information, and being self- expressive. While much of the literature around SNSs looks at social impacts, little research exists around Māori use of SNSs. Rangatahi Māori (rangatahi) are finding new ways of connecting and communicating through Facebook profi le pages and are faced with new challenges of online/offl ine variations and protocols that become blurred—particularly in online spaces. This article is a descriptive study of how rangatahi are using SNSs that enhance, adapt and challenge ways of self- expression, ways of communicating with whänau (family), maintenance of relationships, and ways of accessing information.