Russel Dawn D.

Alocelja 12 STEM C
Title: A Survey on STEM Students using Social Media to Manage Academic
Concerns

Review of Related Literature

The evolution of internet technology has led to its use as the best medium for

communication. Whereby, two-third of the world’s internet population visits social

networking or blogging sites, thus serving as a communication and connection tool.

Social networking sites (SNSs) are online Communities of Internet users who want to

communicate with other users about areas of mutual interest, whether from a personal

business or academic perspective (William ,Boyd, Densten, Chin, Diamond &

Morgenthaler 2014). The millions of social networking sites have transformed the

thought of global village into a reality whereby billions of people communicate through

social networking sites. Numerous benefits have been obtained through distant

communication through the use of social networking sites.

Social media is that means that employs mobile and web based technology to

create highly modifies user-generated content (Kietzmannn, 2015). Social media is a

phrase being tossed around a lot. It is a website that does not just give you information

but interact with you while giving you information. It is a group of internet based

application that allows the creation and exchange of users generated content. It is easy

to confuse social media with social news because we often refer to members of the

news as the media. Adding to it, that social news site is also social media site.

Some media website includes:

o Social Bookmarking: interact by tagging website and searching through a

website book marked by others (Blink list, simple).

o Social News: interact by voting for articles and commenting on them (Digg,

propello).

o Social Networking: interact by adding friends, commenting on photo and

profiles, sharing groups for discussions (Facebook, 2go, BB chat)

commenting on the user submission. (Youtube and Fliki).

o Wikis: interact by adding articles and editing existing articles. (Wikipedia,

wikia).

Social media refers to the means of interaction among people in which they

create, share, exchange and comment among themselves in different networks.

Andreas and Michael (2010) are of the opinion that social media is a group of internet

based application that builds on the ideological foundation and allows the creation and

exchange of users generated content. Social media has become one of the major

channel of chatting through platforms such as 2go, BB chat, blogger and wiki a. There

has been an increase in the mobile social media which has created new opportunity for

browsing.

interactive platforms via which individuals and community share, co-create,

discuss and Academic performance, which is measured by the examination results, is

one of the major goals of a school. Hoyle (2015) argued that schools are established

with the aim of imparting knowledge and skills to those who go through them and

behind all this is the idea of enhancing good academic performance. Academic

performance or achievement is the outcome of education, the extent to which a student,

teacher or institution has achieved their educational goals. Academic performance is

commonly measured by examinations or continuous assessment but there is no general

agreement on how it is best tested or which aspects are most important, procedural

knowledge such as skills or declarative knowledge such as facts (Annie, Howard

&Mildred, 2014).

Social networking sites although has been recognized as an important resource

for education today, studies however shows that students use social networking sites

such as Facebook for fun, to kill time, to meet existing friends or to make new ones

(Ellison, Steinfield, and Lampe 2013 ). Although it has been put forward that students

spends much time on participating in social networking activities, with many students

blaming the various social networking sites for their steady decrease in grade point

averages (Kimberly, Jeong and Lee, 2013), it also shows that only few students are
aware of the academic and professional networking opportunities the sites offered.

According to Kuppuswamy and Shankar (2013), social network websites grab attention

of the students and then diverts it towards non-educational and inappropriate actions

including useless chatting. Whereas on the other hand, (Liccardi, Ounnas, Massey,

Kinnunen, Midy, & Sakar. 2013) reviewed that the students are socially connected with

each other for sharing their daily learning experiences and do conversation on several

topics. Tinto (2013) argued that extracurricular activities and academic activities are not

enough to satisfy some student those who are suffered by social networking isolation.

This shows that social networks are beneficial for the students as it contributes in their

learning experiences as well as in their academic life. Trusov, Bucklin, & Pauwels

(2013) noted that the Internet is no doubt evolution of technology but specifically social

networks are extremely unsafe for teenagers, social networks become hugely common

and well-known in past few years.

According to Cain (2015) social network websites provide ease of connecting

people to one another; free of cost and after connecting one can post news, informative

material and other things including videos and pictures etc. Wiley and Sisson( 2015)

argued that the previous studies have found that more than 90% of tertiary school

students use social networks. In the same way Ellison et al (2015) stated that the

students use social networking websites approximately 30 minutes throughout the day

as a part of their daily routine life. This statement shows the importance of social

networking websites in students’ life. Lenhart and Madden (2016) revealed through a

survey that students strongly recommend social networking websites to stay in touch

with friends to keep informed and aware.

According to the outcome, students’ academic performance is affected the more

they use Facebook. Social platforms are mainly used by students for socializing

activities rather than academic purpose (Oye, 2012). In addition (Oye, 2012) said that

majority of students feel that social platforms have positive impact on academic growth.

In a different research conducted by Shana (2012) it was ascertain that students use

platforms mainly for chatting and making friends. ‘’The consequences of internet and
social platforms on students’ academic growth’’ a study than by Young (2006) it was

seen that internet has spread its wings to reach teenager’s school life. It was also

observed by Young that students are more dependent on internet to access info that

pertain their academic life as well as entertainment. Additionally, Young said that

internet, though take a lot of time, and have less impact on studies. It was observed by

Wang (2011) that impact of social platforms rest on the degree of usage. Jeong

(2014) observed that internet is significantly and negatively related to students’

academic growth, as well as emotional attributes. Seo (2014) confirms Jeong statement

when he opined that the negative influence of internet is only on excessive users and

not on all users. Rather (2015, p. 69) avers that: the social platforms which are being

used today with great desire and enthusiasm have altered the way of using internets in

this modern age by defining online tools and utilities which allow users for

communication, participation and collaboration of information online. Today’s young

generation, especially teens and youth are using technology through innovative ways

due to which they are referred to as millennial and have changed the way they think,

work and communicate even though they are in formative years of their life. Today’s

youth because of social platforms have become technology addicts and are quite

withdrawn.

Shambare, R et al. (2012) Conduct a study on Social networking habits among

students their study indicates that such Medias most commonly used by Younger’s and

Facebook is most widely using by a large number of communities and have multiple

effects on student's life. The high speed and quickly approach to internet and the

development of smart phone technology are most important drivers behind the adoption

and connectivity with social networking websites and conclude that SNS enhance their

knowledge level. Ahmad. A (2011)their study showed that social networking sites have

number of advantages for their users, it enable the community to keep in touch with

their peers and relink with old ones and help to find new friends according to your

interest from all around the and a large number of persons are linking with these

networks. Hence the network of social media is growing globally.

technology use in higher education, particularly in relation to faculty. This survey

interprets teaching and learning habits for staff members online, students that are

graduate and undergraduate are also included. About 65 % of faculty and students both

read blogs but here faculty for personal information was more likely read them. Students

post for both educational and personal proposes. Faculty used online photo sharing

programs more than students such as Flicker, but about 50 % of both groups used it.

Students used Facebook 70 percent while faculty used less than 10 percent of either

Facebook or Myspace. Students send text message more likely.

Lenhart (2015), for online users most popular is social networking a group age of

25 years old students and that ratio decreased for each succeeding group 10 % or for

adults is less over 55. in November 2011 A paper is released which stated that 66 % of

“adults” use different types of social media which is Myspace, Facebook, and percent

use Twitter Kim et al. (2009) roles of international students are support through internet

and social network sides. Specially, for particular international students which are using

their internet for building new relationships, also for study, and the other students using

the internet in their host country. To develop new relationships with students they also

utilized technologies from their entertainer country. Rather than focus on build and

maintain relationships, primary goal of students‟ was to meet academic needs this

research’s major focus on using Internetwork as a whole.

Lin et al. (2011) focusing on a study conducted primarily on the Facebook

outcomes, which are used by international students in the USA. The researchers found

that Facebook usage contributed to students‟ ability to participate socially and culturally

in their new environment. It is founded in a survey that out of the international students,

46 % of students point out a social media site.

According to De Andreaetal.(2014) it is founded that the social supporters is

expanded by social networking. New students are allowed to adjust in successful

academic study. Junco et al (2011) it is founded that when Facebook Groups allow the

students to do political or publicly engagement, rather than using social networking

This perception is carry by Junco study, where it was originated that students use

Facebook for cause other than to socialize. Information collecting and Information

sharing activities make up a time to spend on Facebook as student. Students which use

Facebook more for data sharing and collecting activities get high grades than those who

used it for socializing This evidence suggest that students use Facebook for study

activities however it is positive or not.

The social media engages students and have to be examined as entrepreneurs

of understanding. The medium of internet is marketing with increase in its programs.

The interactive character of online conditions has extended with social networking.

Hooking up through social networking began as being a niche activity, though time it's a

phenomenon. The web sites are employed in many ways like developing metropolitan

areas, speaking, blogging etc. Additionally different institutions even nowadays are

developing groups on several Websites (Saba Mehmood 2013).

The improved usage of Websites has become a worldwide phenomenon for

quite some time. What began out as being a hobby for several computer literate people

has converted to a social norm and existence-style for individuals from around the

globe (Nicole Ellison, 2010).Teens and teenagers have especially recognized these

internet sites to be able to contact their peers, share information, reinvent their

personas, and showcase their social lives Nicole Ellison,(2010).While using the

increase of technology helpful for getting together with others along with the recognition

on the internet, Internet sites are now being an activity that's done mainly on the web,

with Websites Vaughn, Coyle (2010).

According to Khan U (2013, social media users often time experience poor

performance academically. Similarly, Englander, Terregrossa & Wang (2013) posit that

social media is negatively associated with academic performance of student and is a lot

more momentous than its advantages. Internet addiction consequently gave rise in

internet usage within the last couple of decades. Nalwa & Anand (2014).recommended

that addicted users prefer using internet setting back their personal and professional

responsibilities which ultimately leads to poor academic performance. In the same vein,
Karpinski (2013) pointed out that social media users devoted lesser time to their studies

in comparison to nonusers did and subsequently had lower GPAs. Karpinski &

Duberstein. (2014.) so mentioned that among various unique distractions of every single

generation, Social media remains a major distraction of current generation.

Social networking sites have also been in the center of concern for many parents

because of safety concerns and risks (Tynes, 2015). Other parents just simply do not

want their children staring at the computer too long. The risks and dangers of teen

internet usage are constantly flooding television shows, newscasts, and magazines,

always warning parents to educate parents on teen internet behaviours (Tynes, 2015).

Sharing inappropriate information or disclosing “too much information” is another

concern that many adults have about teens that participate in social networking online

(DeSouza & Dick, 2008). In a recent study done on teens and their MySpace

participation, it was estimated that at least 65% of teens who had a MySpace account

had very personal information on their profile pages (DeSouza & Dick, 2015). This

personal information included where they live, their phone number and email

addresses, where they attend school, where they work, and a number of things that

they enjoy doing in their spare time (DeSouza & Dick, 2015). Also, many teens,

especially females, posted information about their sexual behaviour and their alcohol

and substance use (DeSouza & Dick, 2015)..

In response to the question of how much time adolescents spend on social

network websites, it is significant to note that there are other parents who are in favour

of these sites (Bryant, Sanders-Jackson, & Smallwoood, 2015). Some parents are

concerned about their children’s social lives and are grateful that they may have an

outlet for their potential depression and loneliness (Bryant, Sanders-Jackson, &

Smallwood, 2015). In a study completed in 2015, almost 35% of parents of adolescents

reported that they feel that communication with others, in any form, is better than having

no communication at all, and therefore are fully supportive of their child’s internet use

(Bryant, Sanders-Jackson, & Smallwood, 2015).

Junco and his colleagues (2013) found that the students in the Twitter group had

higher GPAs and greater engagement scores than the control group. Gao, Luo, and
Zhang (2012) reviewed literature about Twitter published between 2008 and 2011. They

concluded that Twitter allowed students to participate with each other in class (back

channel), and extend discussion outside of class. They also reported that students used

Twitter to get up-to-date news and connect with professionals in their field. Students

reported that microblogging encouraged students to “participate at a higher level” Since

the posts cannot exceed 140 characters, students were required to express ideas,

reflect, and focus on important concepts in a concise manner. Some students found this

very beneficial. Other students did not like the character limit. Also, some students

found microblogging to be overwhelming (information overload). The research indicated

that many students did not actually participate in the discussions, “they just lurked”.

YouTube is the most frequently used social media tool in the classroom (Moran,

Seaman, & Tinti-Kane 2012). Students can watch videos, answer questions, and

discuss content. Additionally, students can create videos to share with others. Sherer

and Shea (2012) claimed that YouTube increased participation, personalization

(customization), and productivity. YouTube also improved students’ digital skills and

provided opportunity for peer learning and problem solving. Eick & King (2012) found

that videos kept students’ attention, generated interest in the subject, and clarified

course content.

On the other side of the issue, there are other adults and many professionals,

including teachers and school faculty, who encourage the use of social networking sites

like Facebook because they allow students to connect with one another and discuss

school related issues (Alexander & Salas, 2016). Students can form online communities

in order to plan for a project, have group discussions about class material, or use the

SNS as a way to keep in contact when a student has been absent and needs to be

updated on current academic information (Alexander & Salas, 2016).

Social media is the collective of online communications channels dedicated to

community-based input, interaction, content-sharing and collaboration. Websites and

applications dedicated to forums, microblogging, social networking, social bookmarking,

social curation, and wikis are among the different types of social media. Some
prominent examples of social media are facebook, twitter, Wikipedia, linkedin, Reddit,

and penterest.

The use of social media in education provides students with the ability to get

more useful information, to connect with learning groups and other educational systems

that make education convenient. Social network tools afford students and institutions

with multiple opportunities to improve learning method.

In school, the use of online platforms such as school website will give students

the right access to quality information about the school environment, departments,

faculties, rules, and regulations. It has been observed that social media has a wider and

faster means of circulating information not only to the students of an institution but also

to the generality of the public.

Participating in online social networks also increases the likelihood of being

victimized online, or, cyber-bullied (Mesch, 2014). Cyber-bullying is the use of

communication technology, such as SNSs, to harm or “bully” others (Mesch, 2014).

Forms of cyber-bullying include harassing emails, web pages, hateful instant messages,

text messages, and cruel posts on social networking sites (Mesch, 2014). The result of

being a victim of cyber-bullying can be embarrassment, feelings of belittlement, low self-

esteem, and even suicide (Mesch, 2014).

Because the Internet allows students to remain anonymous on websites or

create false profiles, cyber-bullying has become a serious issue (Mesch, 2014). One

national poll showed that over 13 million children between the ages of 6 and 17 have

reported victims

of cyber-bullying (Mesch, 2014). Research has also shown that an adolescent is more

likely to harass or harm another student if they are not together face-to-face, which also

can make a social networking site a perfect place for trouble to manifest (Mesch, 2014).

However, there is no current legislation that protects students from this type of

harassment, even though there are laws for more traditional types of bullying (Geach &

Haralambous, 2013).
 According to recent research about social media networks and Internet usage,

social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace have become so popular that many

university students will get an account even if they do not want to (Peter, Schouten, &

Valkenburg, 2013). This shows that joining a SNS signifies more than just going on a

website; it is way of “fitting in” with peers, just like many other types of groups in high

school (Peter, Schouten, & Valkenburg, 2013). In fact, SNS may be predictors of self-

esteem and well-being in students, and they have become a fundamental role in

student’s life (Peter, Schouten, & Valkenburg, 2013). A student stated in a research

study by Dr. Danah Boyd at Berkeley University: “If you’re not on MySpace, you don’t

exist” (Boyd, 2014).From all around the globe social networks have turned into a

worldwide marvel and pulled in broad popularity in various ages, learning levels,

civilizations and so forth. Notwithstanding regularly checking messages on different

social sites, perusing day by day discussion or meetings what’s more, daily checking

newspapers, now individuals additionally check their profiles on social network by

subsequent others' rank changes, by posting their outline Research has demonstrated

that many folks hook up with SNS in any event once a day either to check their profile or

to take part in distinctive internet tasks. Mostly people utilize SNS for a range of reasons

along with convenience, permitting fast updating, exploring and sharing persistently

huge information, considering day by day life, building up and keeping up unconstrained

social contacts and connections, sustaining casual learning rephrases with cooperation

and correspondence and encouraging conveyance of instructions are the main ones.

Many of the social activities are performed in virtual spaces that are created

through social media. This virtuality caused a move-away from the face-to-face social

interaction in real-life and real places. All kinds of content presented in virtual

environment, that has appeal for people's imagination, attracts them over time, and

people begin to spend more time on the content, making them get addicted to the

Internet (Sucu, 2012: 82-83). One of the reasons for the tendency of young people

towards social media is the effort to express their personality in order to make sense of

their existence, to exude self-confidence and to earn approval of their social circle.

Thus, young people generally behave so as to create a positive impact on people

around them. They can announce their personalities through social media in order to
leave a good impression (Karaduman, 2010: 2886-2899). The young who have to

explain their existence wants to raise awareness via the feeling of loneliness. They feel

the need to tell theirclose circle and friends their emotions, thoughts and every

experience they have. Young people are seeking to interact with groups of people who

share their feelings in order to talk and share whatever they want (Atabek, 1993: 67).