Social Networking and Students

Social Networking and Students

Introduction

The ongoing development in the domain of science and technology has had deep impacts on the society. People belonging to almost all of the age groups have felt this impact. By virtue of this technological development, things have changed to a great extent. Previously, the tasks that were quite difficult to be performed or next to impossible are now accomplished with great ease and convenience.

The rapid evolution of technology has influenced the society in a number of ways. In the recent past, telecommunication has benefitted greatly from the modernized technology. Social networking has now become quite popular and common in the society. People belonging to different age groups are involved in social networking. It is a web-based service that allows people to build social networks and relations with people who may have common interests, professions, backgrounds or activities with them, by facilitating them in the process. In the past recent years, the use of social networking web-sites and services had been on the up. People can have their brief description uploaded on the web-site that is called profile, and thus others can establish contacts with them.

As discussed above, social networking finds its users from members of the society belonging to different age groups. Students are also amongst the ones who are involved in social networking. Its use has become increasingly popular among them (Peluchette, 2008). This paper will discuss the social and ethical aspects of this involvement of students in social networking which incorporates use of latest technology.

Discussion

With the passage of time, there has been an increase in the involvement of students in social networking. It is found by studies that around 72% of college students engage in social networking, with 45% of them using a social networking website at least once a day (Lenhart et.al, 2010). This involvement has both positive as well as negative effects. Teachers are now using social networking as a means of assistance in delivering education to their students. Often curriculum related material and resources are uploaded or posted on the social networking websites for the benefit of the students. Thus sharing of knowledge has become much convenient than it was in the past. The students can share their thoughts, ideas with their fellow students. They can even have discussions among them related to the learning process. This has resulted in the increased participation of ...