Moderate Concept Summary: Social Media Impacts on Students/Children

ED 304: ED Psych and Human Development

Author: Abbie Lynn Merritt & Angie Theriault

Validated by: (Cole Rosenbalm Jan 18 2023) Madison Giles 1-18-23, Tegan Ross 1/19/23, Emily Walton 1/25, Emma James 1/25/23, Kaleigh Le Vine 1/27/23, Macey Mattson 2/1/2023

Disclosure: ChatGPT3 and Consensus. app was used in the creation of this resource.

Summary

Social media has become an integral aspect of many students and children's lives, and its impact on their development and well-being has been the subject of much research. This research has revealed both positive and negative effects. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of this influence is essential for parents and educators to effectively support and guide young learners in their digital journeys.

On the positive side, social media can serve as a powerful tool for communication and collaboration, enabling students to connect with peers and educators, disseminate information and resources, and partake in group projects and discourse. Studies have shown that social media can enhance students' participation in class discussions, foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and even positively impact their academic performance. The ability to connect and engage with a broader community can empower students to explore diverse perspectives and gain global awareness.

Conversely, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential negative effects of excessive social media use among students and children. Research has highlighted a correlation between excessive social media usage and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, social media can serve as a conduit for cyberbullying, with victims of cyberbullying experiencing heightened levels of emotional distress and increased rates of depression and anxiety. Furthermore, social media use has been linked to decreased face-to-face communication skills and potential addiction. It is imperative for students and children to maintain a healthy equilibrium of social media use, and for parents and educators to proactively educate them on how to use social media safely and responsibly.

Quiz questions:

1. Which of the following is NOT a positive effect of social media on students and children? Select all that apply

1. a) Improving communication and collaboration
2. b) Increased risk of cyberbullying
3. c) Boosting academic performance
4. d) Decreasing face-to-face communication skills

2. Research has shown that excessive use of social media among students and children is correlated with which of the following?

1. a) Improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills
2. b) Decreased academic performance and lower grades
3. c) Increased participation in class discussions
4. d) A plethora of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression

3. Which of the following are considered positive effects of social media on students and children according to the research?

1. a) Improving communication and collaboration
2. b) Enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills
3. c) Decreasing face-to-face communication skills
4. d) Reducing anxiety and depression

4. Excessive use of social media among students and children is associated with improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

1. a) True
2. b) False

References:

Bernard, John Kolan; and Patience, Emma Dzandza (2018) Effect of Social Media on Academic Performance of Students in Ghanaian Universities: A Case Study of University of Ghana, Legon. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4687&context=libphilprac

Bozzola E; Spina G; Agostiniani R; Barni S; Russo R; Scarpato E; Di Mauro A; Di Stefano AV; Caruso C; Corsello G; Staiano A. (2023) The use of social media in children and adolescents: Scoping review on the potential risks. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9407706/