There will always be debates surrounding social networking. Throughout the years, there has been rapid growth of social networking all over the world, specifically among younger generations (Mushtaq 2018). There are many different types of electronic devices being used among students for enhanced interaction between each other, as well as instructors (Amry 2014). Studies have shown that social networking has had a positive impact on adolescents (Antheunis 348-371). One positive effect is that networking has provided outlets of communication between students and teachers. Another beneficial effect is that it provides a way for students to showcase their works of creativity and receive feedback from family and friends. Lastly, students can benefit from educational material online. Debates typically begin over individuals’ opinions on the proper amount of screen time someone can have before suffering negative consequences. Studies have shown that social networking sites being used in excess can lead to addiction and interfere with an individual’s life (Yao 415-422). Of course, there can be negative effects come along with social networking, so usage should be closely monitored, especially with younger children who do not understand the possible dangers lurking online. I believe that evidence has proven that when used responsibly and monitored properly, social networking can have a positive impact on students’ lives.
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The evolution of social networking has led to online classrooms. These online classrooms provide material for the class in which the students will view online. Students are given the opportunity to interact with other students and the teachers via webcam for some live discussions. Links for lecture videos and handouts can be accessed on the classroom site (Joo 48). The use of online education provides for students to complete their school work more conveniently, as well as for the instructors to provide feedback for their students in a more convenient manner (Wei 1294). Teachers are free to use many different teaching methods and Wei claims that this optimizes students’ learning. Studies have been conducted on students’ course pre-tests and post-tests and it has been concluded that the post-tests grades were drastically higher than on the pre-tests due to online education (Wei). Along with the development of online education and social networking, came email capabilities. Students and teachers are able to communicate via email messages. This is especially beneficial to college students who need to use email as a way to as questions, and instructors can also use email for providing feedback for their students. Email can also be used to submit assignments. For young students, email can be a great way for the parents to contact their child(ren)’s teachers.
Many individuals use social networking as a way to share creative works and obtain feedback from family and friends. These individuals could post things on sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest (McGuinness). These sites are used for social interaction. Writers may post blogs. Others post photos or videos to share different creative works, such as art work, homemade products that they may be interested in selling, or maybe even videos of themselves playing music or singing. The use of these sites allows for individuals to respond to these photos or videos (Hwang 1405). This can provide constructive criticism for the artist/writer and they would be able to improve their work based on others’ comments. It could also help boosts the artist/writer’s confidence if they receive positive feedback. Since the development of cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices, the number of members on these sites has largely increased, especially among college students (Hwang). By posting things on social networking sites, it provides a way to connect and share things with others who live in other states, or even in other countries (Mustafa 18). If individuals use social networking to advertise products they are selling, this is a great way to advertise and expand their business (Mustafa).
Lastly, social networking can be used by students to obtain educational information. There are many sites that can be used for research purposes (Mustafa). Due to easy access to internet, students tend to use internet information to complete assignments instead of using library books (Gunn 52). The development of sites such as YouTube has provided videos that can be used in education. Many teachers have incorporated the use of YouTube in the classroom (Roodt 473). Students these days have grown up with technology being used all around them so they tend to be more engaged when teaching involves videos on the internet (Roodt). For visual learners, the use of videos heightens their learning experience (Buzzetto-More 17). The use of social networking in the classroom has especially proven to be beneficial in the medical field, such as nursing programs (Pecay 1015). It provides a fun way of learning aspects of Anatomy and Physiology (Pecay). Younger children can learn new skills at home in areas of interest on sites like YouTube, such as playing a guitar, cooking, and writing.
In conclusion, it’s no question that the use of technology and electronic devices has become a part of everyday living for us all (Kiser 2). With the ongoing expansion of technology, social networking has become much more than just a means of staying connected to those we know and love. It has now become the way most of us obtain jobs and learn new information in school and in our lives (Kiser). Though social networking can be beneficial, everyone also needs to be aware of scams floating around on the internet, in which their identity can be compromised (Kiser). By monitoring screen time, parents can teach children responsible usage of social networking and ensure that their children do not develop addictions to electronics. This is where a lot of controversy comes in. Each parent has their own ideas on the amount of time that is okay for their child to spend on devices each day. We have all come in contact with individuals who seem to be consumed by a device in their hand. Parents also should monitor for harmful behavior, such as cyber bullying (Huffman 154). There are many concerns around the use of social networking, but many studies have shown benefits from students taken advantage of internet tools (Huffman). As a parent, of course I have the same concerns as others regarding social networking, but I feel that if we teach our children how to use technology responsibly that there will continue to be a positive impact made in students’ lives.
Works Cited
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