Social networking: sinister or stimulating?

Susan Greenfield shows off Albert Einstein's preserved brain; she fears there will be fewer Einsteins in the future (The Weekend Australian 2010, September 18-19)

Melinda's blog on the news article "Why the internet demands vigilance" written by Tim Kitchen, The Age online, July 26 2010.

The debate whether the use of social networking is damaging to today's youth is often played out in the media.  A recent article in The Weekend Australian (Binning 2010, p10) examines the accusation by Oxford University Professor Susan Greenfield that the use of technology has a negative effect on the brain. She argues that social networking contributes to desocialisation and infantisation of the brain. However, the argument posed by her critics is more convincing with its evidence-based approach, such as the research done by professor Ian Hickie of Sydney University. His research has found that technology makes us happier by enabling stronger bonds between family and friends; and smarter by creating new neural pathways.

Social networking and the internet is a natural part of the lives of youth today. Whilst there are those in education who dismiss social networking as not 'serious' or 'valuable', it is an important part of youth social communication and cultural identity. Not many teenagers today would side with Professor Susan Greenfield.

In the article "Why the internet demands vigilance" by educator Tim Kitchen, there is an acceptance of the place of social networking in the lives of youth today. Kitchen has a pro-social attitude towards social networking but emphasises the need for educators to be vigilant to accentuate the positives and limit the negatives.

Issues such as security and ethics are some of the most problematic features of internet use. Kitchen states that interacting online is a life skill that teachers have a duty of care to support. Rather than banning online interactions like social networking, educators should be providing guidance to students on what is appropriate. 'Internet road rules' need to be taught to youth to protect and empower their online experiences.

The debate on whether the use of the internet is 'dumbing' us down, stands alongside the discussion on the responsibility of schools to teach the protocols and skills of social networking and internet use.

As Kitchen suggests, the banning of social networking in schools in a "Just say no" approach has its place, but ultimately teaching youth to manage their social networking is equally important. 

Greenfield argues that the overuse of technology will prevent the next Einstein from reaching their potential. Maybe Einstein would have a Facebook page if he were alive today.

Binning, D. (2010, September 18-19). Technology may be eating our minds. The Weekend Australian, Weekend Professional Health, p. 10.

Kitchen, T. (2010, July 26) Why the internet demands vigilance. Retrieved September 16, 2010, from http://www.theage.com.au/national/education/why-the-internet-demands-vigilance-20100716-10dya.html