Usage of anonymous geosocial applications among Finnish university students : case Jodel

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the use of anonymous geosocial applications among Finnish university students. The objective is to understand why these applications are used and how their typical use can be characterized and what anonymity, i.e. the possibility to post without real identity, provides for the students compared to other social media services. Qualitative research approach has been used following the case study strategy. Students from university of Oulu have been interviewed regarding their opinions and attitudes towards Jodel, an anonymous geosocial application. Results of this work indicate that anonymous geosocial applications are used for various reasons and their use can be characterized in many ways. Anonymity enables a more liberal environment for discussion, although it comes with downsides, such as trolling. A key finding regarding this study are the three dimensions of Jodel, which are anonymity, locality and sociality. These dimensions reveal fascinating insights about Jodel, such as a sense of belonging that is generated among users of the application. It was also discovered that these applications fill in a specific need for people to communicate such as to discuss avoidable topics.