Social Networking Reflection

Facebook is one of the most commonly used social networks nowadays. I personally love it! I moved around a lot when I was young, so my friends are all over the world. Facebook is a good tool for me to reconnect and keep in touch with them. However, I am a little hesitant on the idea of using facebook in an education setting.

Anyone over 13 can create a facebook account; however, the wide range of information on facebook is not necessarily appropriate for students of such a young age. I feel that age 13 is still too young to understand and to make responsible choices of what information should they browse through. Many people use facebook to upload photos and their current status, but some are unaware of the importance of changing their privacy settings. Without a secured setting, their personal information might be accessible to anyone. It is important for the teacher to discuss the significance of privacy issue with students if he or she is going to start a class discussion on facebook. There are also many different applications in facebook. They might be a distraction when the teacher is trying to explain the project and model it on facebook during class with the students. Another problem that might arise when using facebook for a class project or discussion is getting parent permission. Many parents are still doubtful about facebook. Teachers should inform the parents of the content and the purpose of the project.

With the increased availability of Internet access, it seems as though everyone is using some kinds on social networking. I didn’t know much about social networking when I first experienced it in end of middle school. The only thing I remember was that it was fun chatting with my friends in England and Hong Kong. I talked to random people when I was bored too. When I think about it now, my action was quite imprudent. Since social networking is getting more and more widespread, schools should educate the students on the advantages and disadvantages of using social networking.