The Student News Site of Marshfield High School

The Marshfield Times

The Student News Site of Marshfield High School

The Marshfield Times

The Student News Site of Marshfield High School

The Marshfield Times

Social Media affects study time

By Ashley Barbian | Features Editor

 

To many students, social media is a critical part of everyday life. With the number of active users on Instagram reaching 80 million, Twitter reaching 140 million and Facebook reaching close to one billion, social media has become a widespread trend.

Various social media sites are the way many people receive breaking news, communicate with distant relatives and keep up with fads.

There is a fine line between using social media as a resource for group information and using it for gossip or more inappropriate ways, though. Many students often misuse these sites. 
            Students commonly post pictures partially or completely nude. They also frequently post pictures of themselves participating in illegal activities. Teens do not realize the consequences of their actions.

Once a photo is posted online it never goes away. The student may believe it is gone by simply clicking delete, but the picture will be in records for many years to come.

When one tries to apply for college or for a job, it is common for the student’s social media to be thoroughly checked. What one may post now can make the difference between obtaining a career or attending college and being rejected.

 The nudity and vulgarity of students on these sites influences their peers to participate in similar activities. Teens often post pictures like these because these photos get the most “likes” or “favorites” on social media sites.

Facebook and other related sites can create a self-centered attitude. ­When students spend an extended period of time on social media sites, they may also become reclusive or secluded to their homes.

 According to a recent study done by Chicago University’s Booth Business School, the time spent by users on Facebook is roughly 405 minutes every month, which is equal to 81 hours a year.

Psychologists have recently diagnosed patients with Facebook Addiction Disorder (FAD). FAD is described as a situation in which social media usage “overtakes” daily activities such as bathing, eating and communicating with others. It has been said approximately 350 million people are suffering from the disorder.

            The diagnosis for FAD uses a five-step system. It begins by analyzing the tolerance of a patient, their withdrawal symptoms, the reduction of social or recreational activities, virtual dates and fake friends. Someone with complete Facebook Addiction Disorder may experience a “high” every time they receive a friend request, message in their inbox, notification or wall post.

More student users means more time spent on these sites and less time spent studying. Students frequently find themselves spending more time on social media sites than on their academ­­­­­­­­­ics.

 The more one uses social media sites, the less time people spend communicating in person. This could create a lack of communication skills for the current generation. 

Though many students are seen using these sites inappropriately, there is still a large group of students who use the social media sites responsibly.

 Students need to learn self-discipline to complete their studies and to not make excuses for their faults.

There is no reason for students to not be able to use their personal time wisely. The ability to manage time is a necessary component of many careers and students must learn to take responsibility for their actions in both the real world and online.

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Social Media affects study time