Many of us use social media in different ways. It is used as a source of entertainment, a platform to share and distribute information, and a networking tool. But what does social media mean to you?
We are thrilled to announce that we have launched a new course – The Impact of Social Media on Student Well-Being. This course is written in collaboration with Dr. Alexandra Makos, an Assistant Professor of Online Learning for the department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto.
Time spent on social media can directly impact an individual’s well-being regardless of age. We can use social media to enhance our well-being if we are engaging with content that adds value or growth to our interactions in the physical environment, for example, sharing ideas about mindfulness.
How does social media impact students?
Social media use can have both positive and negative impacts on students.
Some of the positive impacts include:
• Increased sense of community
• Increased social capital
• Decreased loneliness
Some of the negative impacts include:
• Lack of sleep
• Decreased concentration
• Depression/Anxiety
If a student is experiencing even a single negative impact from social media, it is a cause for concern as it can disrupt their growth and development.
How to leverage social media in your classroom?
Whether we like it or not, social media has become part of our daily lives. Learning how to incorporate it into your classroom can be highly beneficial to your students’ well-being. Here are some ways to do this:
Create social media profiles for historical figures.
• Develop social media content that is factually based or supported with evidence.
• Create group challenges to decrease social media use and explore the impact it has on overall well-being.
To learn more about the impact of social media and how to use it in your classroom, register to take our course – The Impact of Social Media on Student Well-Being.
