Friday, April 24, 2009
Every day we deal with the regular turmoil of student life. Classes, tests, homework, library and meetings — and that’s if you don’t also have a job or participate in extracurricular activities. Yet despite our busy schedules, most of us find a moment in the day to browse the social networking site that has become a phenomenon in just a few short years. But a new study suggests that Facebook may be causing more harm than we think.
According to USA Today, an Ohio State study of 219 students exposed Facebook’s effects on academic performance. Students who did not have Facebook accounts reported having GPAs between 3.5 and 4.0, while those with accounts said their GPAs were usually between 3.0 and 3.5. Study habits among those without Facebook were also significantly better, a reported 11 or more hours per week, compared with those with Facebook, who studied five or fewer hours.
So what exactly does all this mean? Is Facebook dooming students? Well, not exactly. The study didn’t find conclusive evidence that Facebook is the cause for lower GPAs. Rather, it simply suggests that there is some correlation between the two. Aryn Karpinski, the Ohio State doctoral graduate student behind the study, suggested Facebook be used in ways that are more educational, such as to create study groups.
Karpinski pointed out Facebook’s potential as an asset to students. I can’t count how many times I’ve used Facebook to consult classmates about courses. Once, last year, I used the site to find a classmate in my Shakespeare class. I didn’t know a single soul in that particular course, and remembered the girl’s name solely because it was called before mine in class for attendance. Luckily, she messaged me back about a change in due date for a research paper and consequently saved me from losing 15 percent of my grade. Thank you, Facebook.
I’m not arguing that Facebook is more academically beneficial than detrimental, but I definitely think the ability to contact acquaintances and friends easily is great. What a wonderful option to have! Can you imagine the “old days” of having to call someone, who called someone, who tried to three-way call but it didn’t work, then finally figuring out plans and calling whomever is involved all over again?
I’m sure there are many Facebook-abusers whose obsessions with recently tagged photos or status updates result in poorer grades. I believe there are an equal number, if not more, of students who manage to balance fun on Facebook with devotion to academics. Of all the other issues wreaking havoc on our age group, such as drugs or violence, I think Facebook is the least of our worries.
— Buser is a Columbia, Ill., junior in journalism and English.
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Comments
Buser: Facebook and GPA staying connected
I think if you're an irresponsible twit you're going to waste your time somehow. Some of us waste our time commenting on the Kansan. Some of us spend hours on Facebook. Some of us drink until we can't feel feelings, and then our fraternity brothers put us to bed and hope for the best. Everybody's got their own time-waster.
Buser: Facebook and GPA staying connected
Your language is pretty offensive there, kid.
Buser: Facebook and GPA staying connected
Your point was that I should apply for a second job at the Kansan, because you dislike my comments. Your point required no profanity or monotheism. Your point was also completely off-topic.
But rest assured, when the forum comes, I will no longer haunt your beloved kansan.
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