Social Media: Friend or Foe?

Social media is no secret to Christian Brothers students.

During the technological boom of the modern era, Christian Brothers High School has switched to a primarily iPad based curriculum. This change has been in favor with teachers and students on a learning level.

The iPads have given learning a new spark to which education has never had before. It has become more hands on and interactive for teachers and students.

However, social media sites have become more popular than ever and this is another gateway to access temptation. Christian Brothers has enforced a wi-fi system with limitations, making it easier to monitor the usage of  social media in the classroom. But as any teenager will tell you, rules are made to be broken.

From a students perspective social media can be a distraction, but it is also an exciting way to see all of the latest things and keep in touch with friends.

“Social media helps me communicate with all of my friends on a daily basis,” says Jack Steindorf (’15). “Any time I need help with something or just get bored, Twitter is the first place I go.”

Although Twitter is a good way to keep in touch with friends, it can also be an obstacle to finishing schoolwork.

“I see it as a huge distraction for me personally,” Jack says. “I can never get my homework finished because I am constantly on twitter.”

Twitter seems to be the go to place for most teenagers these days, while 5 years ago it would have been Facebook. Social media is and will always be a major distraction not only for CB students but all young adults.

While students admit the temptation and distraction of social media, teachers opinions may not differ completely.

Christian Brothers librarian Mrs. Diane Mahan has a very unique point.

“I believe that if the teachers can harness the power of social media and embrace it, they can reach more students,” she says. “I think Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are easier to translate into academics compared other social media such as Vine.”

Social media also intrigues the dean of students.

“I think it is a great way to get information out and also a great way to communicate with each other” said Mr. Dave Levasseur.

While teacher and student opinions might differ, the point can be made that social media is a tool that should not be abused. With great power comes great responsibility.