PROMOTING SOCIAL MEDIA EDUCATION FOR ADOLESCENT’S HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT
Introduction
The Canadian communication theorist Marshall McLuhan in the 1960s called the world a “global village”, a phrase that describe how the advancements in communication technology, was shrinking the world and creating a sense of interconnectedness among people worldwide. How the globe become a village is evident in the use of the social media which has become an essential component of our daily routine today. Social media platforms provide unparalleled options for involvement, learning, business and connection, networking and communication to entertainment and information distribution. However, these prospects transmit dangers and problems that need to be studied and averted. Therefore, in terms of adolescents’ overall development, the significance of social media education cannot be overemphasized.
Keywords: Social media, education, Adolescence, Holistic development
Social media is defined as online platforms and technology that allow users to produce, share, and engage with material, information, and other users in virtual communities and networks. These platforms enable numerous types of communication, such as text, photographs, videos, and live streaming, allowing individuals and organizations to interact, collaborate, and engage with one another on a worldwide scale. Social media platform includes; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Tiktok, Snapchat and many others.
Adolescence and Holistic development
An adolescent is a young person who is transitioning from childhood to adulthood. Typically, adolescents are between the ages of 10 and 19, although definitions may vary slightly depending on cultural and developmental factors. This stage of development is characterized by physical, emotional, cognitive, and social changes as individuals navigate the transition from dependency to independence and explore their identities, relationships, and future goals. Hence, Erik Erikson (1968) sees adolescence as a period marked by the psychosocial crisis of identity versus role confusion. He emphasized the importance of exploring and forming a sense of identity, including one’s values, beliefs, and goals, during this stage of development. Further exploring the adolescence features Jean Piaget (1972) viewed adolescence as a stage of cognitive development characterized by the ability to think abstractly, reason logically, and engage in hypothetical and deductive reasoning. For him this is the final stage of He identified four stages in cognitive development which are (Sensorimotor (birth to 2 yyears; Preoperational stage 2to 7 years; concrete operational stage 7 to 11 years and the formal operational thought as the final stage of adolescent cognitive functioning 11 years and older)
These authors’ perspectives provide valuable insights into the multidimensional nature of adolescence, encompassing both psychosocial and cognitive aspects of development. But in these paper we are not just concerned with the aforementioned areas but for a fact the holistic development of an adolescent. Holistic development refers to the comprehensive growth and progress of an individual across multiple dimensions, including physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects. Rather than focusing solely on one aspect, holistic development recognizes the interconnectedness of these dimensions and aims to promote the overall well-being and flourishing of individuals. It encompasses not only intellectual and academic achievements but also emotional intelligence, social skills, physical health, creativity, and ethical values. Holistic development emphasizes the importance of nurturing a well-rounded individual capable of navigating life’s challenges and contributing positively to society.
Social media education
Social media education refers to teaching individuals about various aspects of social media, including its use, impact, risks, and opportunities. It covers topics such as digital citizenship, online safety, privacy settings, digital literacy, and responsible social media usage. This education aims at equipping individual with knowledge and skills necessary to use the various platforms responsibly and effectively.
According to Datareportal as stated in Global Social Media Statistics Research summary for May 2024 more than half of the world now uses social media. The world is believed to be 8,019,876,189 as at January 2024 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That means, 5.07 billion people around the world), 259 million new users have come online within the last year. The average daily time spent using social media is 2h 20m. Hence, right there in your community it can be stated that seven of every ten adolescent use social media platform. These platforms are not just for adolescents only but for all class of persons; for that reason it social media education is imperative to navigate the moral complex of the social media or the web space at large. For that reason, this education addresses the following areas:
Digital Literacy: Understanding how social media platforms operate, including their features, functionalities, and algorithms, is crucial. Digital literacy empowers individuals to critically evaluate online content, discern misinformation from credible sources, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Some digital literacy examples include sending and receiving email, writing and publishing a blog, searching for information on a topic and evaluating the credibility of a source, and watching videos online. How to improve digital literacy How to increase digital literacy for personal use.
Learn online. Participate in online courses, tutorials, and webinars to learn new digital skills and stay current with emerging technologies.
Explore your options. …
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
What are some digital literacy skills?
Digital literacy skills include consuming, creating, communicating skills. Each skill set (consuming, creating, and communicating),
2. Online Safety and Privacy: With the proliferation of cyber threats and privacy breaches, knowledge of online safety practices and privacy settings is essential. Social media education teaches individuals how to safeguard their personal information, recognize and report online harassment, and protect themselves from cyberbullying and scams. (Online Safety is being aware of the nature of the possible threats that you could encounter whilst engaging in activity through the Internet, these could be security threats, protecting and managing your personal data, online reputation management, and avoiding harmful or illegal content.) Internet safety is the practice of following actionable guidelines, understanding modern technology, and protecting your digital devices so you can defend against malicious parts of the online world. It’s one of the main parts of a strong digital citizenship program in any school. Privacy is the right to control how your information is viewed and used, while security is protection against threats or danger. In the digital world, security generally refers to the unauthorized access of data, often involving protection against hackers or cyber criminals.
Top tips for staying secure online
Top tips for staying secure online
Use a strong and separate password for your email
Install the latest software and app updates
Turn on 2-step verification (2SV)
Password managers: using browsers and apps to safely store your passwords
Backing up your data
Three random words
Digital Citizenship: The term digital citizen is used with different meanings. According to the definition provided by Karen Mossberger, one of the authors of Digital Citizenship: The Internet, Society, and Participation, digital citizens are “those who use the internet regularly and effectively.”
Digital citizenship is the ability to navigate our digital environments in a way that’s safe and responsible and to actively and respectfully engage in these spaces.
Encouraging responsible digital citizenship is integral to fostering a positive online community. Social media education emphasizes the importance of respectful communication, empathy, and digital etiquette. It promotes inclusivity, diversity, and the ethical use of technology for the betterment of society.
Some examples are: Safe and respectful use of e-mail and social media. Commitment to high standards of information literacy by refraining from spreading misinformation online.
What does it mean to be a digital citizen?
Being a digital citizen is about working to ensure you are contributing to the health and well-being of your communities. How are you contributing to a positive culture online?
Four categories:
Empathy and Community
Positive Technology Use
Sharing Information
Ethics and Privacy
EMPATHY AND COMMUNITY-BUILDING
I remind myself that there’s a real person behind the screen
I reach out to help if I see someone being cyberbullied
I take a break before doing anything when I get angry
If I get in a conflict with someone I know online, I talk it out in person
I push back against hate and prejudice when I see them online
I report hate and harassment when I see them online
I complain to platforms and advertisers if I see them supporting hate
I speak out to shape the values of my online communities
Building empathy and dealing with conflict online
When you’re online, it can be hard to remember that there’s a human being on the other side of the screen. Sometimes, people say things online that they would never say in real life. Because of this, it’s important to take extra steps to be empathetic.
Online empathy tips:
Watch how you’re feeling.
We don’t always realize how we’re feeling when we’re communicating online. Listen to your body! Is your heart racing? Are you holding your breath? Are your muscles tense? If so, it’s time to get offline for a while.
Take a break before you respond.
If you aren’t feeling cool, calm, and collected, take a break before you respond. Take some deep breaths and take time away from the screen. You may feel differently after some time and space to cool off.
Work it out face to face.
If you know this person IRL (in real life), try to work things out face-to-face. Remember that other people can’t tell how you’re feeling online either, so it’s easy for drama to blow up.
Imagine they’re next to you.
Remember that the people we talk to and play with online are real. Even if you don’t know them, try to imagine the person you’re talking to is with you before you respond online.
Don’t have your friends back you up.
Getting the same message over and over again – even if it’s from your friends taking your side in an argument – can make angry feelings a lot more intense. It can also make something that starts as drama spread and turn into a much bigger conflict.
Do talk about how you’re feeling.
It’s important to make sure get help and support when things are bothering you online, so talk it out with someone you know and trust.
Just because something happens online, doesn’t mean it doesn’t hur
POSITIVE TECHNOLOGY USE
Using technology for good
What happens online can have a real impact. It’s up to us whether the impact is positive or negative.
What are some ways of using digital tech for good?
Connect with friends and family.
Check in on the people you care about, especially if they’re having a hard time.
Use digital tools mindfully.
It’s no fun when you’re hanging out with someone and their nose is in their phone. Put away your devices when spending time IRL with others.
Be an engaged citizen in your online communities.
Read the news, learn about an issue that affects your community, get involved with causes you care about, and connect with your neighbours. We can use digital tech to make a difference in issues that affect our communities and the whole world.
Don’t assume everyone believes what the loudest voices say.
When we’re in online groups, it can be easy to believe that everyone thinks what the loudest voices are saying. This can make it seem like hate and harassment are normal, but the fact is that most people don’t do things like that.
Make your voice heard.
If we make our own voices heard online, we can help show that most people don’t want negative or hurtful talk in our communities. One person speaking out makes it easier for others to push back J
Every voice matters and can make an impact. Use technology as a tool for good.
SHARING INFORMATION
I check reputable sources before sharing info
I share information that I know is useful and reliable
I challenge misinformation without giving it extra attention
When I see information online, I ask:
What do I already know about this?
Why do I want to believe or disprove it?
What would make me change my mind?
Our friends and family pay attention to what we share online. Just like a journalist, it’s our responsibility to make sure something is true before we share it.
Don’t share things right away.
Social media is designed to make you share things right away, but it’s better to wait a few minutes to think about it first. Give your “thinking brain” time to take over from your “feeling brain.”
Don’t be manipulated.
If you feel a strong emotion about something – if it makes you happy, makes you mad, proves you right, or seems “too good to be true” – pause and use our four Break the Fake steps to find out.
Do share information that you’ve confirmed is true.
The more accurate information there is out there, the more it can drown out the bad stuff. But you don’t always have to let information come to you. Instead, turn to sources that have a good track record. Make a point of only sharing information you know is true and accurate.
Trusted sources check their facts.
A trusted source, like a reliable news organization, has a good track record and a process for getting the facts right. If you’re not sure, search Wikipedia to see how long they’ve been around, whether their news reporting is mostly accurate and objective, and whether they’re open about correcting their mistakes.
Expert sources know their subject.
An expert source is a person or group with expert knowledge on a topic, like a doctor or a public health agency. But being an expert in one area doesn’t make someone an expert in everything – you wouldn’t go to your doctor for advice on your taxes! Make sure your source knows what they’re talking about.
Check that something is true before you share. If it sparks a strong emotion in you, that’s a sign you need to pause and double check that the information is true.
Your friends and family are counting on you to share good and accurate information.
RIGHTS, PRIVACY AND ETHICS
Digital Citizenship: Ethics and privacy
In the digital world, we can lose control of the information we share. It’s important to respect other people’s privacy and take control of your own.
Use privacy settings.
Apps, browsers and devices have privacy settings that let you limit who sees what you post, control what data companies can collect about you and turn off targeted o personalized ads. If you have an iPhone or iPad, you should be able to turn off data collection for any new app when you download it.
Use privacy tools.
You can also use privacy tools like apps and browser extensions that do even more to stop tracking, and you can choose apps and services that respect your privacy.
Respect other people’s privacy.
Before you share a photo, a video or anything else with somebody in it, make sure they approve. Don’t guess whether they’d say yes: There might be reasons you’re not aware of why somebody doesn’t want something shared. Don’t assume it’s okay to share something just because someone else did.
Don’t pressure people to share anything.
It can be hard to say no to a friend, a boyfriend or a girlfriend, so never push anyone to share something they don’t want to. If you’re a parent, get in the habit of asking your kids before you share photos or videos of them. That will teach them that privacy is important and show that it’s important to get consent before sharing.
Remember, once something is online it’s out of your control – so make good choices about your privacy and others’.
Critical Thinking and Media Literacy: In an era of information overload, critical thinking skills are indispensable. Social media education encourages individuals to question, analyze, and evaluate the content they encounter online. By developing media literacy skills, individuals can avoid falling prey to misinformation and manipulation.
Digital media literacy (also known as online critical thinking skills) is vital to the safety, security, health, and well-being of individuals and communities. The proliferation of social media and applications has increased the volume of information we are exposed to everyday.
Balanced Usage and Well-being: Excessive use of social media can have detrimental effects on mental health and well-being. Social media education promotes mindful usage habits, emphasizing the importance of balance, self-regulation, and digital detoxification. It encourages individuals to prioritize real-world connections and engage in activities that promote physical and mental wellness.
Professional Branding and Networking: For professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs, social media serves as a powerful tool for personal branding and networking. Social media education provides guidance on crafting a professional online presence, building networks, and leveraging social platforms for career advancement and opportunities.
Incorporating social media education into formal education curricula, workplace training programs, and community initiatives is essential to reaching individuals of all ages and backgrounds. By integrating digital literacy and responsible social media practices into educational frameworks, we can empower future generations to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Furthermore, collaboration among educators, policymakers, tech companies, and civil society organizations is vital for developing comprehensive social media education initiatives. Together, we can create safer, more inclusive online environments where individuals can harness the full potential of social media while mitigating its risks.
In conclusion, social media education is not merely a luxury but a necessity in today’s digital age. By equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to navigate social media responsibly, we can foster a healthier, more informed, and empowered digital society. Let us embrace the imperative of social media education and work towards a brighter, more resilient future online.
HOW CAN SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE YOUTHS
Access to Information: Social media provides a vast repository of information on various topics, allowing youths to learn about different cultures, current events, and educational resources.
Networking Opportunities: It facilitates connections with peers, mentors, and professionals worldwide, offering opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and career advancement.
Expression and Creativity: Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube enable youths to showcase their talents, express their creativity, and build personal brands, fostering self-confidence and self-expression.
Community Engagement: Social media allows youths to engage in online communities centered around shared interests, hobbies, or causes, promoting social interaction, activism, and civic engagement.
Skill Development: From digital literacy to communication skills and marketing prowess, engaging with social media platforms can help youths develop a wide range of skills valuable in today’s digital age.
Entrepreneurship: Social media offers a
