Online social networks have grown steadily in influence, especially in the United States, as they become an integral part of the college undergraduates’ culture. One primary social network is the website Facebook, which caters to the culture of undergraduate students, with its free user profiles containing the ability to post pictures, form groups, and create events. The capability of Facebook and other social networks to influence students is evident, but whether the overall effect is positive or negative is questionable. Dr. David M. Eberhardt, who received his doctorate in Education from Florida State University, addresses the issue of online social networks in his article “Facing up to Facebook” found in the publication “About Campus,” a bimonthly magazine focused on particular techniques and influences that college students experience during their education. He argues both the benefits and the negative effects of online social networks, especially those concerning incoming undergraduates while also providing advice to administrators on how to implement social networks in ways that improve students’ education. In the article, Eberhardt’s argument focuses on three inter-related areas of online social networking: the transition to college, the development of student identity and involvement in the campus community, and undergraduates’ learning abilities. However, I think that online social networks are most beneficial in helping undergraduates transition to collegiate life, but they can also lead to the development of more harmful trends in concerns to students’ identities and learning environments. Often moving to a new city and new school can create large amounts of anxiety for students as they struggle to adapt to their new... ... middle of paper ... ..., as many of them have significant drawbacks such as privacy issues, potential for future harm, and weighty qualifications that are not likely to be met. On the other hand, I do agree with Eberhardt on the negatives that he limns because he portrays them as they are and it is obvious that they are significant drawbacks without any solution other than the shortening of time students’ spend on social networks. Predominantly online social networks, while beneficial to students in some ways, are also associated with negative aspects which should be considered. Eberhardt finalizes his analysis from an education perspective by calling administrations and teachers to be open about the use of online social networks in attempt to help them better reach and identify with students (26). Works Cited Eberhardt, D. M. (2007). Facing up to Facebook. About Campus, 12 (4), 18-26.
This specific article addresses the implications of “online social networking and how they transcend disciplinary actions and reputational harm” (442). Fleming begins her argument by paralleling the transformative properties of the invention of the telephone years ago to social networks today (440). Students’ online identities come at a price, allowing job recruiters, school administrators, ...
Fleming begins her argument by paralleling the transformative properties of the invention of the telephone years ago to social networks today (Fleming). But, Fleming states that “students’ online identities and friendships come at a price, as job recruiters, school administrators, law enforcement officers and sexual predators sign on and start searching” (Fleming). Social networking websites like MySpace and Facebook are frequented favorites, especially by college students. These sites have become so popular that “friending” a person is now a dictionary verb. However, Fleming believes that students are not as cautious as they should be. In fact, “thirty percent of students report accepting ‘friend’ reques...
In “Youthful Indiscretions: Should Colleges Protect Social Network Users from Themselves and Others?” Dana Fleming presents an essay concerning the safety of social networking sites and how Universities can deal and prevent problems. This article is targeted towards school administrators, faculty, and a social networking user audience who will either agree or disagree with her statement. I believe Fleming presents an excellent, substantial case for why she reasons the way she does. Fleming gives a sound, logical argument according to Toulmin’s Schema. This essay has an evident enthymeme, which has a claim and reasons why she believes in that way. Toulmin refers to this as “grounds."
Michael J. Bugeja, director of the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University and author of“Facing the Facebook” in The Chronicle of Higher Education, states that the initial purpose of having access to the Internet in the classroom was to give students the opportunity to conduct research. However, this privilege is rapidly being used as a means for students to not pay attention during class. A poll was taken at Iowa State University where 20,247 out of the 25,741 enrollees were registered on Facebook (Bugeja 1). Social networking sites such as Facebook have had some negative effects in academia such as “institutions seeking to build enrollment learn that ‘technology’ rates higher than ‘rigor’ or ‘reputation’” (2), that there has been improper use of the freedom to use technology in the classroom, that employers and parents check Facebook to see what users have been doing, and that technology is an overall distraction in the classroom.
Moving to school Moving to school can become a very emotional experience for a child. The transition can become very stressful resulting in the child becoming very upset and clingy to their parents. The child can be helped by the school and their parents by being taken to their new environment. Spending small amounts of time in a new setting will help the child to become familiar with what’s around them. Parents should also spend some time with their child exploring this new environment, helping the child to form new attachments and bonds with their new teachers.
“Building true friendships requires spending time together- and not just online. ”(Scholastic scope, paragraph 13) Although sometimes getting a couple extra likes on your last selfie can make you feel good, it’s not the same as having a real person who you can trust. When social media and technology are incorporated in a learning environment, the class is likely to become more distant and without the ability to form the deep relationships they need. “Where we once saw them as tools in solitary endeavors.... we now understand that they can be used pro- socially.
The internet is a magnificent tool that we use in many aspects of our society. It has been very helpful in regards to business, education, socialization, recreation and so much more. The internet has also been very harmful in regards to all those things as well, even communication. We are discussing the social aspects of the internet and their positive and negative effects.
...ile Steven Pinker believes that social networking is improving society and Sherry Turkle finds it to be harmful to individuals, the real answer lies in-between the two positions. “It is a well-known fact that the web is a valuable asset for research and learning,” stated Sue Scheff in her article “Social Networking Sites Can Limit Interpersonal Skills and Physical Activity,” “…[but] it can also be a very dangerous place” (1). While the Internet is beneficial in gaining knowledge and connecting with others, it will always come with downsides as well because it can become addictive and an easy source for predators and bullies to prey on those who are vulnerable. Ultimately, “it is in our collective interest to ensure that the Internet lives up to its potential as a revolutionary connective medium” (Pariser 11) while being aware of the risks and practicing self-control.
Social networking has made its way into American culture quickly and is more prevalent now than ever before. Many people have different views on the relevance and benefits of social networking, whether they are from a positive or negative standpoint. Nevertheless, social media and networking are a part of our American lifestyles as a whole. As a Computer Information Systems major and studying the foundations and composition of computer applications, I would like to research the effects that social networks have on undergraduate students attending an Historically Black College or University. In order to conduct this research, a study and survey must be conducted to determine whether social networking positively or negatively affects grade point averages by recording the number of social networks students are actively using and the number of hours spent on these applications in comparison to grade point averages.
With the advancement in technology in a short matter of time it has impacted the world in many ways such as how the world communicates and our life styles. One of the many revolutionary inventions or evolutions is called social networking sites (SNS). Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and many more, are where people gather in the internet, create a personalized profile about themselves, and interact with people around the world. With the lack of parental supervision between the ages of fourteen to seventeen, which makes one of largest demographics using social networking sites, these teens could be subjected to mature elements. Young teens between the ages of fourteen to seventeen should not be allowed to have a profile on social networking sites because they do not have the capability to make proper logical decisions.
Ellison, Nicole B., Charles Steinfield, and Cliff Lamp. “The Benefits of Facebook “Friends:” Social Capital and College Students’ Use of Online Social Network Sites.” Wiley Online Library. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 23 Aug. 2007. Web. 06 Nov. 2013. .
The popular site, Facebook.com, has amassed more than one billion registrants since it started in February 2004. It is another social networking site, just like MySpace.com and Xanga.com, which is common to High School and College students. But this is no ordinary site; people’s lives literally revolve around Facebook. I have a Facebook account and log in at least once a day. I personally believe that Facebook is a fun and interactive site. However, some students may not feel that same way because they have encountered some negative aspects, aside from Facebook’s legal problems.
The negative effects of social networking sites overweigh the positive. These sites has resulted in an impact of potential hazards to the community. The students are victims of social networks more often than others. This is because the consequences when they learn or find their course material online, they get attracted to these sites to kill their boredom in their studies and also distract them from their duties. Other negative effects of social networking sites include the following:
In our day to day lives we socialize and interact with many different types of people, including family, friends, colleagues, or even complete strangers. Before technology people stayed in contact via regular mail, writing letters, telephone calls and face to face communication. Today the way in which we relate to others is completely different. We use social media for finding romance, seeking employment, or getting advice. This is where social networking and social media come into play. Many people may think that the use of social media is making them more social and more interactive with society. But others question if that is really the case. Is social media making us more or less social? Is it changing the way we interact with people on a daily basis? Is it having a more positive or negative impact on society?
Wise, L. Z., Jason Skues, and Benedict Williams. "Facebook in Higher Education Promotes Social but not Academic Engagement." Changing Demands, Changing Directions. Proceedings Ascilite Hobart 2011 (2011): 1333-1342. Ascilite with Full Text. 9 Feb. 2014.