Social media in higher education promotes a positive platform in encouraging interaction and broadening the appeal of technology and improving conversion back and fourth among students, but also presents adverse effects as well. The adverse effects of utilizing social media in higher education is measuring meaningful relationships and developing rapport that we would foster in reality, and sometimes more casual relationship/rapport are formed through a virtual world, which is difficult to create sustainable virtual learning communities.
The anonymity for students has a positive stance in permitting students the ability to interact anonymously verses a traditional platform (face-to-face) engagement in which sometime students would be less likely to share, but anonymity also presents challenges for faculty. The anonymity afforded in a virtual environment can present an obscured side that might otherwise be concealed in reality. Students may be rude, mean or victimizing to their peers, so monitoring or managing would be required by the faculty member to maintain a positive learning environment.
Overall, social media in higher education has its advantages and disadvantages, so before implementing into the classroom environment, its best to be aware of the growth and relevance of social media as it aligns with the specific content area as well as the manifold options to engage utilizing the platform and possible adverse effects that might require solution(s) in maintaining a healthy, learning environment. Social media is the best of both worlds if implemented effectively.
"Social media is changing the way we communicate and the way we are perceived, both positively and negatively. Every time you post a photo, or update your status, you are contributing to your own digital footprint and personal brand." - Amy Jo Martin
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