Social Networking: Does the Benefit Outweigh the Cost?

Social networking can provide so many different opportunities to students as well as teachers. Written works can be shared; commentary can be provided by peers and teachers. Social networking can build a sense of community and prevent the feelings of isolation, especially when considered in a distance learning classroom. For instance, I think we could all agree that this blog provides us with a sense of community and inclusion.

Social networking provides social learning and this opens up new possibilities because interaction can happen with people all over the world. There are no boundaries pertaining to age, location, nationality, and ethnicity. The fact that there are no restrictions may lead to dangers to those who don’t protect themselves. For instance, you may not know the true identity of the person you are communicating with. By providing personal information on the Internet, a person is providing an unlocked entrance into their lives that anyone can enter. Children and teens may not be mindful of this because they lack the knowledge to foresee the repercussions that may occur.

That is why it is a good idea for parents to take the time to communicate with their children about the dangers of social networking. I think it is also wise for schools to implement this into their technology curriculum. The government has already gotten involved by implementing the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act which gives children the right to privacy by protecting their identity. The government’s concern with technology pertaining to student involvement should not stop there.

I think with the proper instruction and prevention, social networking benefits outweigh the costs.