Can this Class Change my Mind?
I’ll admit…I’ve become very critical of social media over the years and maybe even a little jaded. Although it’s done some good, I often times have felt like it’s done more bad. It allows misinformation to spread like wildfire, some people are losing touch with reality, and I think that many people have become hyper-focused on “creating content”.
It someways I think it has negatively impacted critical thinking skills and/or attention spans. Both of these things are essential when it comes to learning. With all this being said I do enjoy using social media for entertainment, but I also do have these criticisms. However, I am excited to see how it can be used for educational purposes and to see if this class can make me see more of the positives.
I agree with you. I also use social media for entertainment most of the time, and sometimes feel like my attention span is decreasing. I'd like to share my experience with your last sentences: I follow some Instagram and Threads accounts that post tech news, and I get updates from them. I think social media can be used as a new form (brief version) of online news, which is informative. In informal education, it could be used as microlearning content, such as short lessons or quizzes.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I really appreciate your honesty here because I think a lot of people feel the same way but don’t always say it out loud. Social media can absolutely feel overwhelming sometimes, especially when it seems like everyone is constantly trying to create content, go viral, or argue online. Your concerns about misinformation and attention spans are very valid, and I actually think being critical of social media is healthy.
ReplyDeleteAt the same time, I like that you’re entering the course with an open mind instead of completely rejecting it. That balance is important. Social media can definitely be chaotic, but it can also create opportunities for learning, collaboration, and connection when used intentionally. Sincerely, I think many of us are still trying to figure out how to live with these platforms without letting them completely consume our brains 😂
You have a point. I get bewildered just by looking at some of the "content." Especially TikTok. I cannot believe how omnipresent it has become. However, there are some platforms that I use consistently, such as YouTube. My husband is disabled, so when something needs to be repaired, I check out YouTube, then go to Home Depot and get what I need. At home, my husband helps by directing our children and me in how to do a particular repair. For example, he puts the correct drill bits in the drill and tells us how to use the tools correctly. As you can see, we save a lot of money by learning from YouTube.
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