Effects of social media on education today

Social Media's Effects on Education

Social media's effects on education are truly becoming a driving force in today's connected learning society. In reality, as a result of the use of technology like social media, the world is getting smaller and the way that instructions are given is changing at a faster rate. (Dr. Sharmista). Due to the emergence of technology as well as the advent of social media, reading practices among students have actually been flushed down the toilet. One important element that builds everyone's foundation for success is reading. Social media together with its networks like Whatsapp, BBM, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter as well as the usage of internet has become the main obsession of many learners today. Irrespective of the fact that social media has made the academics of students to suffer; also it has some contributions that are positive to education.

Wasting Time and Distractions

A number of learners who have an access to GSM, actually waste a lot of time on it while surfing the internet and chatting on non-educative information. These learners stick to their smartphones throughout a day, thereby losing the sense of their time (Fronek 253). Others press their smart gadgets during seminars, classes as well as in the libraries. These students have a belief that smartphones are catalysts for ease assimilation while reading. Some students even brag in earpieces and normally hum out those songs that they are actually listening to while studying and these lower their assimilation rates besides acting as sources of disturbances to those around them (Zu et al. 191).

Decreased Reading and Writing Skills

Moreover, learners of today search for information does not add value to their education. In an effort to understand what is going on in the world and stay tuned to current events, always they are seen browsing the internet, reading social blogs and fashion which have no academic association (Gülbahar 53-69). In addition, social media has indeed disrupted the students writing skills. In fact, learners cannot write long essays since they are not anymore reading storybooks and novels that can educate them on how to write such essays.

The Positive Impact of Social Media on Education

Nevertheless, social media has a number of positive effects on education. It enhances education and learning since learners with the internet help now can access all information related to their learning. Also, social media has provided an avenue for many schools to offer their courses through the internet. In the contemporary world, educators and learners can interact online, thus, eliminating the need for physical classes. Similarly, the social media enables learners to meet individuals from diverse sections of the world and backgrounds and this exposes them to many ideas which can be useful to them. Learners also have access to many educational groups, for instance on Facebook and Twitter (Frechette and Williams). It is therefore evident that social media has positive and negative impacts on the contemporary education.

Work Cited

Dr.Sharmista, Dr.Sarvamangala, "Effects Of Social Media." International Journal Of Scientific Research And Education (2016): n. pag. Web.

Frechette, Julie D, and Rob Williams. Media Education For A Digital Generation. Print.

Fronek, Patricia. "Social Media In Social Work Education." Australian Social Work 70.2 (2017): 253-254. Web.

Gülbahar, Yasemin. "Current State Of Usage Of Social Media For Education: Case Of Turkey." Journal of Social Media Studies 1.1 (2014): 53-69. Web.

Zu, Ning et al. "A Review Of Social Media In Education: Effects And Attitudes." International Journal of Social Media and Interactive Learning Environments 5.3 (2017): 191. Web.