Social Networking and The Affects it has on College Students

Did you know that Facebook, MySpace, and many other entities like them have severely impacted student’s lives? That is the question at hand that many professors, teachers, employees, etc. would like to be answered. Social Networking websites, known as “Me Media,” such as Facebook, MySpace, Friendster, Tribe Net and YouTube are thought to be weakening students in this generation. However, the most influential amongst high school and college students is Facebook. Facebook was started by Harvard undergraduates and put into operation on that campus in February 2004. When FAMU first got Facebook back in 2004 everyone was excited about getting their FAMU email account so that they can get logged on and begin using this new network. Still today this site attracts nearly every college student in the country and as of May 2006, has registered nearly 8 billion people. Some professor’s feel like Facebook is just a “misuse of technology” and that it’s as if we are sucked into the notion of this network from entertainment to addiction. Professors believe that we have forgotten that technology is supposed to bridge digital divides and enhance student research. Facebook is also thought to be both addictive and distracting, more so an “entertainment timewaster” than anything else. Facebook is more of a place of unlimited communication where anyone can talk to anyone without barriers. The best part about it is that it can be done at your leisure, without leaving your comfort zone.

The kind of social networking that Facebook impacts academically is: 1. Since technology has taken a toll on higher rates than enrollment alone for high school students rebuilding institutions by enrolling in school, this could somehow leads to pressuring provosts to continue investing in technology than in tenure track positions, 2. Professors and librarians are encountering improper use of technology by students when they are supposed to be doing school work or listening to lectures, which could cause judiciary officials to enforce the student code, 3. Career and academic advisors having to deal with parents and employers who have screened Facebook and discovered what is going on in residence halls or students personal lives and 4. Academics assessing learning outcomes often discovered that technology is a major distraction in the classroom as a tool.

These are just a few of the concerns that Facebook is believed to cause. Online networks like Facebook are constantly under surveillance from college administrators to employers and businesses. They can easily search ones profile for evidence of illegal and unethical behavior, which could lead to being kicked out of an institution or even losing that job you may desire. Most students might think they are merely crafting and surfing a vast network of peers, but due to their Facebook profiles being a public diary anyone can see it. It is important that students are mindful of their profiles and what is posted on these networks because it is a reflection of them and it could deter any future goals if seen by marketers, parents or college officials. Some college administrators have embraced technology as a means of furthering education, but they have failed to realize that the younger generation views technology largely as a means of delivering entertainment, be it music, video games, internet access or television, as a secondary method of communication.