The "Do's" of Social Media


 The "Do's" of Social Media


image source: LinkedIn

Rethinking Social Media

As adults, we often tell kids what to do and not to do. Of course, there are many dangerous and harmful situations we teach students to avoid while using social media. Most students learn the "do nots" of social media when they should also be learning how to use it to their benefit. In a world where social media use is only increasing, students understanding what they should and can use social media for will aid them in developing 21st century skills.


Below is an infographic of 7 "do's" of social media. Each section gives a description and ideas for using the power of social media to connect with others, build a desirable online reputation, and learn and practice skills. The audience for this infographic is high school or college students. Although these "do's" could be modified and taught to all grade levels, this information mostly addresses higher grade level activities. 

image source: author's infographic created on Canva

What should students DO with social media?


1. Network

Networking is important for students seeking opportunities both during and after high school. Many schools help to provide students with internship opportunities, but students can also learn to seek these out on their own. When students build connections through social media, they are also developing their autonomy, thus making their educational experience more student-centered. Students can create a social media account geared toward their interests or future goals and follow and interact with users in that field. 

2. Build a Portfolio

Similar to networking, students can build a digital portfolio to showcase their skills and best work. Although creating websites for this purpose is great, social media can be much more interactive and is updated more frequently. It is also easy for users with a digital portfolio to connect with others in their prospective industry. 

3. Practice Etiquette 

Social media platforms are a perfect place for students to practice their digital etiquette skills. After learning about etiquette, students can put what they have learned into practice and see real examples of what and what not to do or share on social media. This would also be a good opportunity for students to analyze content shared online for bias and accuracy. 

4. Learn

A student-centered classroom focuses on students being able to learn for themselves. In a student-centered classroom, teachers should act as facilitators and students should learn to become self-starters. Social media provides this to students by containing a plethora of resources. Instead of merely using social media for sharing pictures of friends or experiences, students can also read articles, watch tutorials, interact with professionals, and keep updated on current events. 

5. Discuss

All students participate in class discussions, but what if they could discuss classroom topics with people around the world? Just like networking, social media provides the opportunity for assignments to extend beyond campus. Students can also learn to connect with people from different countries and cultures while discussing the same topic. These types of activities prepare students to work and learn with people from a variety of backgrounds. 

6. Critically Think

Similar to practicing etiquette, students can practice their critical thinking skills when interacting with content on social media. Identifying fake news or biased information is a crucial skill for students of any age. Students can also analyze the terms of service of the social media platforms they use in order to understand what they are agreeing to when posting and consuming content. 

7. Build a Footprint

Social media should be used to build a positive footprint unique to each user. The reality is, social media profiles can be searched. Students should know that it is ok to have an online presence, but it needs to be a positive one. The above suggestions of networking and building a portfolio can easily provide any user with a digital footprint that builds a good reputation and the image of a tech savvy candidate for schools or jobs. 

Closing Thoughts

Social media is here to stay, so why not encourage students to use it for their benefit? By teaching students  the "do's" of social media, they will gain the tools to independently use social media in a way that will build a positive digital presence. 

Resources 

Cohn-Vargas, B. (2021, May 7). How students can meet their peers all over the world. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-students-can-meet-their-peers-all-over-world/ 

Filucci, S. (n.d.). How to spot fake news (and teach kids to be media-savvy). Common Sense Media. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/how-to-spot-fake-news-and-teach-kids-to-be-media-savvy 

NSW Government. (2024, April 17). Using social media safely. NSW Government. https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/digital-citizenship/parents-and-carers/using-social-media-safely 

Rystead, E. (2023, January 14). 6 tips on creating a beautiful Instagram portfolio for creatives. The Shutterstock Blog. https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/creating-beautiful-instagram-portfolio 





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