Many would strongly argue that social media impact on society, particularly on the youth, has been increasingly corrosive. There is not one social media essay but many trying to discourage its usage. And just like every other thing that you can think of, it has its disadvantages too. We cannot just overlook the positive effects of social media in education and focus on the side effects alone.
If you look closely at it, you’ll discover that all its advantages greatly supersede the disadvantages, and this is what the supporters of the argument against it always seem to overlook. So, in this article, we’ll be looking at social media in education. If you want to write a successful social media essay, this article will be of great help to you. So, just consider it a persuasive essay on social media, because you will really gain a lot from it. Read on and enjoy!
Social media and education
To be honest, the effects of social media in our education system has really been amazing! You find out that a great percentage of youths now have smartphones and easy access to the internet, all thanks to innovative technology.
According to one of the recent reports, youths make the predominant users, and roughly about 9 out of 10 people you’ll find use at least one the networking platforms like Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, and so on. These networking services provide an opportunity for synchronous communication with others. They also provide vital information, create and present wonderful opportunities for students. This is one of the reasons many of them find it quite easy and somewhat exciting to use. In fact, a lot of us cannot even do without them as they help us in our education, businesses, career, networking and interpersonal communication with friends and family.
Just recently, educational practitioners all over the world started to integrate social media into the learning space. Here are some of the ways it has been reshaping the education system;
● Provides Easy Access to Information
Do you need to find important information on anything? With such e-learning platforms like the LMS (learning management system), you can get information through online materials and resources, and undertake educational training and programs. It is through the internet that you can easily find people of like minds, and through sharing and interaction, you can easily gain knowledge from other people like you.
● Facilitates Research
Social media also facilitates research. Presently, it stands as one of the primary sources of data and information. You can easily find out what the opinions of other people are on certain societal issues. Whether for an assignment or for a long essay, it provides the necessary information you need.
● Allows for Social Credibility, Personal and Professional Development
It also provides the opportunity for you to build yourself or your business. You can sell your products, develop and expose yourself to people. A service like LinkedIn can provide the opportunity for students to learn, connect with professionals and find internship and employment opportunities.
● Allows for Effective Learning
To a large extent, the introduction of social media into the education system has proven to be effective and particularly useful in fostering the learning process amongst students. Instead of always making long and annoying trips to the library because of an argumentative essay, or a social media essay, social media networks can actually help you connect with experts that can provide you with clearer perspectives on topics and issues that you may find confusing. They can even help you to compose a proper outline for your piece. Isn’t that amazing?
New methods of learning are also being introduced because of online networking services like YouTube, Twitter and the rest. Learning is no longer confined to the four walls of the classroom. You can now learn at your own pace, and in your own space.
People who argue against social media believe it takes up a considerable amount of our time, stunts our productivity level and ruins our interpersonal relationships, especially with those nearer and closer to us. They also rightly argue that it is highly addictive, even more than cigarettes, and can result in mental health issues, like anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and so on if its usage is not adequately minimized. In addition, it has been confirmed to also cause physical strain on the back, neck, eyes, and fingers.
Indeed, all these arguments are undeniably true. However, when you look at the benefits of social media for youth, and the general society at large, you’d be quick to dismiss all of them. Just as I mentioned before, the advantages greatly overpower the disadvantages, and it will be wrong to just consider it based on the disadvantages alone.
