Social networks have become an integral part of our daily lives, especially for college students. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have transformed how we communicate. In this article, we will examine the role of social networks in college success from a sociological perspective.
Introduction
Online platforms and apps for socializing are called social networks. Social networks help college students, instructors, and the campus community bond. These networks have emerged as a key means of:
- staying connected with friends and family;
- forging new connections;
- discovering potential career prospects.
This article aims to investigate the effects of social networks on college success. We can better understand how social networks affect college experiences by analyzing their:
- relationship to academic success;
- professional advancement;
- personal growth.
Background
The history of social networks dates back to the early 2000s, with the emergence of platforms such as MySpace and Friendster. Since then, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and TikTok have joined social media.
Currently, social networks have become a ubiquitous aspect of modern life. According to a 2021 study by Pew Research Center, 72% of U.S. adults use some form of social media. Among adults aged 18-29, this number increases to 91%.
The Impact of Social Networks on College Success
When it comes to academic success, students can leverage social networks for their benefit. Social media collaboration and study groups improve student performance, according to research. If you are struggling with your coursework, consider seeking help from a sociology assignment writing service on social media. You can also access valuable academic resources such as notes and study guides shared by peers. Social networks can also help in finding job opportunities and building a career. LinkedIn allows alumni and professionals to network, find job openings, and apply. Finally, social media can help students discover new interests and activities. Social networks can help students connect with like-minded individuals and discover new communities.
The Positive Aspects of Social Networks in College Life
College students can profit from social media despite their drawbacks. Social networks can help students form study groups, which can improve academic performance. Additionally, social networks can help students build a sense of community on campus. This is crucial for students who feel alone. Students might find peers via social media.
Moreover, social networks can help students discover new opportunities. Social media can help students identify campus events, clubs, and service opportunities.
The Negative Aspects of Social Networks in College Life
Social networks can be good for college life, but they can also be bad. One of the worst things about social networks is that they can be distracting and waste a lot of time. When students scroll through their social media feeds instead of studying or doing homework, it's easy for them to get distracted.
Furthermore, social networks can also be a breeding ground for cyberbullying and harassment. Peer cyberbullying can harm social media users' mental health.
Another negative aspect of social networks is the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) phenomenon. To keep up with friends' activities, students may feel pressure to check social media frequently. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress.
Social Networks and Diversity
Social networks have the potential to bring people together and promote diversity and inclusion. Students can expand their outlook by meeting people from diverse cultures.
Social media also lets marginalized populations tell their stories. Underrepresented groups may feel excluded in traditional academic contexts, so this is important. Social media allows people to find like-minded people and form supportive communities. Social media can assist LGBTQ+ students overcome university issues by providing:
- tools;
- support;
- welcoming settings.
Social media can improve college equity by giving underrepresented groups a voice.
But, social networks can also have a negative impact on diversity. Research has shown that social networks tend to be segregated by race and socioeconomic status. This can reinforce existing social hierarchies and inequalities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, social networks play an important role in college success. They promote academic collaboration and community. They can also have negative effects, such as distractions and cyberbullying. It is important for students to use social networks in moderation and with intention. Students might benefit from social media by setting:
- boundaries;
- prioritizing academic;
- personal goals.
Author’s Bio:
Sylvester Greer is a seasoned content writer and researcher with years of experience in crafting engaging essays and articles. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for effective communication, he has honed his skills in producing high-quality content that captures the reader's attention. Sylvester's expertise spans various fields, including sociology, psychology, and education, and he has a proven track record of delivering top-notch writing that meets the highest standards of academic excellence.
Online Threat Alerts Security Tips
Pay the safest way
Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.
Guard your personal information
In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.
Be careful of the information you share
Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with
Know who you’re dealing with
Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.
Check your accounts
Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.
Don’t believe promises of easy money
If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.
Do not open email from people you don’t know
If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.
Think before you click
If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.
Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond
If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.
Be careful with links and new website addresses
Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.
Secure your personal information
Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.
Stay informed on the latest cyber threats
Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.
Use Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are critical to online security.
Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs
Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.
Update the operating systems on your electronic devices
Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.
What if You Got Scammed?
Stop Contact With The Scammer
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
Secure Your Finances
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Check Your Computer
If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
Change Your Account Passwords
Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.
Report The Scam
Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
How To Recognize a Phishing Scam
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.
By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.
With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.
Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.
Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).