What is Social Media?

Maya Dollerhide describes social media as technology that promotes sharing, and communication through virtual networks (Dollarhide, 2023). This technology has grown exponentially and become increasingly unique as the years go by. The first social media sites were created in the late ‘70s. It’s estimated that Bulletin Board Systems were the first to be introduced in 1978. They were used to inform members of a Chicago computer club until they gained popularity. CBBS systems are still used today! An extension of the CBBS system was added in 1988, the Instant Relay, Instant Messaging, and Chat Room update (Hines, 2022). This created the groundwork for social media like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter that rely on instant messaging and direct messages (Hines, 2022). Despite being around since the ‘70s its common users are young adults, teenagers, and children. Haşiloğlu, Çalhan, and Ustaoğlu called social media “the ultimate form of human communication” (Haşiloğlu, Çalhan, and Ustaoğlu, 2020, p.346 ). This is one reason why it’s being thought of in an educational sense.

Pros and Cons of Social Media in Education

The University of Toronto starts this section off strong. Their benefits are plenty such as helping develop digital literacy skills, improve typing efficiency, allow personality, and increase participation (University of Toronto, 2022).  Let’s break down those statements. More professional careers are beginning to rely on technology and utilize it in multiple industries. This gives increasing importance to digital literacy and typing efficiency. The ability to maneuver technology, send emails with proper grammar, and work different programs increases. Occasionally teachers see social media as a way for students to remain connected and communicate with educators. They even acknowledge it as a tool for developed self identity (Haşiloğlu, Çalhan, and Ustaoğlu, 2020, p.347). 

On the opposing side, multiple problems arise. Susan Cumberland speaks of the threats. Social media potentially exposes students to a myriad of problems. It can become a distraction, diverting students' attention from their teacher or assignments, allowing them to use it inappropriately during school hours. It also opens up the prospective for cyberbullying (Cumberland, 2022; Mayo Clinic, 2022). With hundreds of students using social media it becomes hard to monitor them properly, allowing cyberbullying and rumors to spread throughout the school. Many students will take advantage of barely monitored social media usage and post content not suitable for school that can be damaging (Cumberland, 2016). 

Reflection & Conclusion

Concerns remain of whether social media should be used in an educational setting. University of Toronto has stated positive assessments that suggest this is a good idea, stating all the benefits that social media would have on students (University of Toronto, 2022).  On the other hand Mayo Clinic and Cumberland have stated problems that would create a negative environment and harm students. For example cyberbullying would become a rampant problem, and it creates the probability of students using it improperly (Cumberland, 2016; Mayo Clinic, 2022).  These are factors that should be thought of including the students receptiveness to it, efficiency in the classroom, and relevance. With the arguments that can sway it either way this leaves discretion to the teachers and school district.