Social media has a huge impact on students at Osbourn today! It’s a mixed bag, really. On one hand, it’s great for connecting with friends, sharing  experiences, and containing information fast. It lets students collaborate on projects easily and can be a platform for learning and promoting social causes.

But it’s not all great. It can be super distracting, leading to less focus on studies. There’s also the pressure to present a perfect life online, which can affect mental health. Plus, there’s a risk of cyber-bullying, which can be pretty tough on students. So, it’s all about balance. Using social media wisely can be beneficial, but it’s important to know when to step back and just chill without a buzz of notifications. Social media has woven itself into the fabric of many students’ lives, becoming as integral to their daily routines as attending classes. It’s a very strong tool that, if used mindfully, can enhance their educational experience. Platforms like Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram offer a wealth of resources for learning, networking, and discovering job opportunities.

Through social media. students can participate in global conversations and study groups. “You can use social media  to search up educational content and connect with other people trying to learn about the same subjects as you,” said Jazarion Baker. You can also access a diverse range of perspectives that enrich their understanding of the world. It’s also a stage for self-expression and creativity, where they can showcase their work and achievements.

Yet, social media’s impact isn’t solely academic. It plays a significant role in shaping social dynamics and self-identity. Students often measure their self-worth against curated images and lifestyles they scroll through, which can lead to anxiety and self-esteem issues. The fear of missing out can also take a toll, making them feel like they’re not living up to their peers.

Seeking validation from others on social media is a common phenomenon. It’s natural to want affirmation and recognition for your posts and achievements. “People often seek validation from others, especially regarding their appearance,” said Cameron Jackson.

And then there’s cyber-bullying. Unlike traditional bullying, it doesn’t end at the school gates and can follow students home, leaving them feeling vulnerable and exposed. Many individuals have people on social media who care for them and make sure they are alright and not depressed in any way. “Some positives would be by contacting others for support and connection with others. Also some negatives would be cyber-bullying and probably a lot of screen time,” said Jamari Hooker. The anonymity of the internet can sometimes bring out the worst in people, leading to hurtful interactions.

Social Media can be a huge distraction when you’re trying to learn. It’s like, one minute you’re all set to study, and the next thing you know. you’re deep in the scroll, checking out memes or chatting with friends. Notifications pop up, and it’s super-tempting to take a peek, right? Before you know it, an hour’s gone by, and you haven’t gotten any work done. “It causes a constant of distractions and interruptions with learning,” said Thomas Wright. it’s because these apps are designed to grab and keep your attention, which can make focusing on learning really tough. It’s best to mute notifications or set specific times for study to keep on track.

Lastly, social media can totally mess with your sleep. When you’re scrolling through your feeds late at night, it can be hard to put your phone down and get some shut-eye. The blue light from screens messes with your sleep cycle, making it harder to fall asleep and get quality rest. “Social media can affect sleep, physical activity, and face-to-face socializing,” said Axel Acosta. Plus, if you’re staying up late on social media, you might not have enough energy for physical activity.

And let’s not forget about face-to-face socializing! Spending too much time on social media can make you feel isolated or disconnected from real-life interactions. instead of hanging out with friends or having conversations in person, we end up glued to our screens, missing out on those meaningful connections.