Accidental Discovery of Information in Using of Social Networks and Online Communication, A Case Study: Shiraz University Students

This research aims to investigate accidental discovery of information in using of social networks and online communication in Shiraz University.

This is an applied research that uses descriptive analytical techniques. In order to determine the validity of the questionnaire the comments of a number of experts and professors were asked, and by using Cronbach’s Alfa its reliability(./88) was determined. The research population consisted of 3434 students of the faculty of Humanities and Engineering.. A sample of 346 students were randomly selected for the research, based on the Krejcie-Morgan sampling table. The collected data were imported to SPSS version 21, and analyzed based on descriptive statistics.
Findings: Results show that the respondents were using resources more than average. They also know Social Networks and Online Communication a useful tool for purposeful gathering and accidental exposure to information. The majority of respondents use information gathered accidentally in their various activities, and store or share it.

Social technologies and online communication are useful tools to achieve the targeted information and also to obtain untargeted information. Accidental discovery is an information gathering method equal to targeted information-seeking. Obtained information by accident is useful in the sharing of knowledge. It can also change the user path, guide him towards a new idea and assist in solving problems.