Social Networking: A Valuable Vice

Social Networking: A Valuable Vice Social networks can have both positive and negative effects on today's teenager. Generation M2, tech-savvy children aged 8-18, spend a large portion of their day in front of various electronic screens. The social networking sites, Facebook, Twitter etc., that teens frequent on their various electronic gadgets can offer a place for them to learn valuable internet skills needed for their future. It can also aid them in learning important social skills. Correspondingly, the use of social networking sites has been shown to divert a student's focus from their school studies resulting in lower academic achievement. From the article “Is the Onslaught Making Us Crazy?” Dokoupil states that “Teens fit some seven hours of screen time into the average school day; 11, if you count time spent multitasking on several devices” (1). The continued overuse of these social networking sites has also been shown to be a possible trigger for certain mental health issues in some teens. While there is evidence that points to the overuse of social network sites having some negative aspects when allowed to become used as a vise, it is important to acknowledge the valuable job skills these social networking sites can bring to today’s teens when used in moderation. Social networking sites can be a positive place for today's teenager to learn much needed internet skills that will be required for them to be successful in their future. A study conducted by The MacArthur Foundation found that interactions by today’s teens within these social media sites is “increasingly becoming an essential part of developing into a competent citizen in the digital age” (Crawford 1). This same study also found that time spent on the internet is virtually necessary for today’s teens to keep up with today’s fast paced and continually changing technology. Crawford also pointed out that teens who were denied access to today’s various media outlets, either because their parents do not allow it in the home or couldn’t afford it, or because schools and libraries restricted their access and or time on social networking sites, were likely to be short on these valuable skills that members of Generation M2 are expected to possess in order to become successful adults in their ensuing careers (1). Good people skills and communication skills can be learned by spending time interacting on social network sites. These skills will likewise be needed for a successful future. The team of researchers on the MacArthur study also found that “Creating profiles on social networking sites allows young people to creatively express themselves and develop a visual identity. They get feedback from their peers on the same sites” (1). By understanding how to manage their online relationships and interact with others within these social networks, today’s teens are self-educating themselves in preparation for tomorrow's work force. Responsible behavior should be used by Generation M2 in order to avoid the overuse of social networks. The tendency to use these networks as a vice and therefore neglect school work is a common issue with today’s teens. The overuse of these networks has also been shown to trigger mental health issues in some teens. Larry Rosen, Professor of psychology at California State delivered a speech to the American Psychological Association, highlighting some findings from recent research showing that the popular social network, Facebook, when checked by college students at least once during a 15 minute study period impacted the student’s grades negatively resulting in a lower grade. This same study showed the overuse of media and technology can make teens more prone to anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders (Pilieci 1). In addition to these findings, an article in the journal Pediatrics noted the rise of “a new phenomenon called ‘Facebook depression,’” and explained that “the intensity of the online world may trigger depression” (Dokoupil 1). Just a few short years ago social networking was a new concept only a small amount of people had heard of. Now it’s an ever growing source of both positive and negative aspects. It is shaping the way Generation M2 communicates and learns. Many valuable skills that today’s teens will use in future job positions can be cultured and practiced by using social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and others. Since there are some opposing effects due to the overuse of these social networks, care must be taken to avoid the possibility of excessive use of these sites ultimately preventing any negative repercussions for today’s social networking teens.