There was a time, not so long ago, when social media was still a notion that was yet to be discovered. Then came Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and a slew of other social media sites. Some have withstood the test of time, while others have faded into obscurity. Much research on the impact of social media has been undertaken in the last decade or so. Its influence may be felt in practically every element of human life. Social media has become an integral part of the lives of college students. During the day, most educational institutions have made it illegal for students to use their cell phones or social media sites. Some schools are now encouraging students to use social media in a different way. While social media platforms provide a wealth of information for both students and teachers, there are several challenges that must be overcome. Here are some of the good, bad, and evil of social media in education:
⧫ The good side of the internet
• It promotes collaboration.
These are social networking sites that encourage people to share their material. They have made collaborating on an assignment or project easier for students. To collaborate, one does not need to meet physically. By communicating on WhatsApp, spreading the word on Twitter with hashtags, or joining a Facebook group.
• It improves learning.
Students can now access large amounts of knowledge that may not be available in their school library thanks to the internet. They can interact with friends in other cities and share ideas, which will help them sharpen their thinking. This exposure has a significant impact on students’ out-of-the-box thinking.
• It increases familiarity with and interest in technology.
We can’t deny how quickly technology is producing a major paradigm change in our daily lives. Millennials are increasingly entering into technological fields. As a result, social media, by its use and comprehension of its functioning, contributes to a greater focus on technology.
• It makes online learning easier.
Different social media networks cater to or target a specific demographic. Some platforms are solely for social networking, while others provide more than just that. Platforms relating to a specific course, school, or setting can be found.
• Tutoring for homework
Learners with questions or doubts about a certain assignment can leave a remark or send a message for assistance. They can also ask questions of their instructors without their peers seeing them. All pupils will receive a clear response from the tutor as a result of this.
• Prepare students for their future professions.
Students who are new to the workforce might utilize social media platforms to find and apply for jobs. Students can look at their preferred occupations and conduct detailed research on the internet and analyze the jobs that have been listed on sites like LinkedIn.
⧫ The bad side of the internet
• It has the potential to be distracting.
Have you ever been working on something important and then realised you have your phone in your hand and are browsing social media without knowing it? I won’t say it doesn’t happen to me, but it does. When you could be doing something essential, like studying, but you’re continually online, responding to messages, commenting on images, and so on, it can be a distraction.
• Posting irrelevant material
One of the primary reasons why most educational institutions do not accept social media is that it is difficult to monitor how students use their platforms. A student may post potentially harmful or distracting content. And this will have a negative impact on students’ performance.
• It encourages an over-reliance on the internet.
Students have become accustomed to “googling” answers to the point where they are unable to rely on themselves to find the appropriate solution. Exam cheating is common in many educational institutions. Students heavily rely on the internet and their devices to answer questions in tests.
• It could be to blame for students’ weak writing skills.
On social media, many students use abbreviated words. It gets to the point where it’s difficult to tell the difference between “your” and “you’re” when writing an essay, for example.
⧫ The evil side of the internet
• It encourages cyberbullying.
Bullying is no longer limited to physical or verbal attacks in today’s world. Bullies now have a new way to operate thanks to social media sites. Because there are no constraints on the types of words that can be used online, numerous adolescents are bullied on social media.
• It has the potential to taint morals.
There aren’t many filters on social media when it comes to what people post on their accounts. This freedom allows for the distribution of pornographic content. It has an effect on one’s behaviour, and students are engaging in activities that were once despised but are now considered cool, such as drug use.
Nehru Group of Institutions has proven to be a great guiding light for students all around the world with over 50 years of experience in the field of education. They offer outstanding placements with prestigious organizations such as Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Flipkart and Wipro among others. The Nehru Group’s highly certified and trained instructors make it their mission to ensure that every student is steered in the right direction. The students of graduate from any of the Nehru Group’s institutions are often bright and confident, ready to tackle any obstacle that life throws their way.
Using social media sites can provide students with numerous advantages. This does not, however, imply that you should utilize it without hesitation. To reach your long-term objectives, you must use them carefully.
