Research shows that teens use social networking sites as a communication tool to primarily reinforce existing relationships, both friendships and romantic relationships, and to check out the potential of bringing new relationships into their offline world (Subrahmanyam & Greenfield, 2008, p. 120). Incorporating social networking and technology within education can help engage and hold the attention of young people today too. “Almost 60 percent of students who use social networking talk about education topics online and, surprisingly, more than 50 percent talk specifically about schoolwork” (Krishnan, 2007). This talk could be anything from getting help with homework to other troublesome topics students have, but nonetheless, problems are being solved via these sites. Teens can also use these sites to build confidence by modeling real-life interactions through the computer screen. “It’s almost like social networks are training wheels for life in a lot of ways – it teaches you to express empathy and see how people respond. It’s a place where you can grow and develop” (Thompson, 2009). Facebook and Twitter are platforms for concealed confidence, which can also backfire, fatally.
Social networking sites have become a necessity for almost every tech-savvy teen. Although the Internet and social networking sites are enormous assets if used properly, there are also vast possibilities of them causing more harm than good.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Social Networking: Potential Benefits
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The importance of social networking sites in today's world is immense. Indeed, the above mentioned websites are best, however there is also a latest Social Networking site MyworldGo , where you can connect with others. We are also available on iOS and android.
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