In this passage, I would like to discuss the impact of social media on education. I think social media is a double-edged sword whether for education in classroom or community discourse.

When it comes to classroom, social media may encourage distraction but also promote interaction. According to recent researches, some college students, sitting in the lecture halls, are glued to the screen of their phones or computers, browsing on the internet or involving in social media. Such behaviours not only undermine their ability to concentrate but also affects their academic performance. Social media allows instant interaction and thus students may be easily addicted to checking and answering new messages. In this context, I believe social media may be harmful. However, social media can also play a beneficial role under proper application. In my management courses, the instructor builds a chatting group with every student included. The instructor can send some assignments or study materials in the group and students can also discuss about the course content. Social media acts as an effective learning tool.

With regard to community discourse, I think social media can also bring benefits and harm. We are currently in an era of knowledge booming. Whenever we have some doubts we can find answers online. I think social media actually serves as a bridge among people of different fields. People nowadays can access expertise at the lowest cost and in the most convenient way. However, the disadvantage lies in the credibility of such knowledge. Without supervision and regulation, it’s hard for one to tell whether the information online is reliable or not. There is only a fine line between fact and fiction, thus it’s important for one to develop information literacy to analyze the information source before making use of social media as a tool for education. 

7 New Social Media Marketing Opportunities on Facebook & More
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References

Wade, L. (n.d.). How Social Media is Reshaping Today’s Education System. Center for Social Impact Communication. Retrieved June 20, 2021, from https://csic.georgetown.edu/magazine/social-media-reshaping-todays-education-system/

Toh, E. (2018, January 11). Fake news and its real consequences, Politics News & Top Stories –. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/fake-news-and-its-real-consequences