February 2015 Homework
Due at the March 16 Parent Teen Night
Are Social Networking
Sites Good for Our Society?
“Of course they are!” is our initial reaction, and perhaps this is true. It may be great for you,
but the question is…..is it good for SOCIETY. Does it make it easier for us to be ‘good’ people?
BIG questions like this require us to step back and think it through. The Catholic Church helps
guide us to a Christian answer through her Social Teaching. The Church’s Social Teaching
suggests principles for reflection, gives criteria for making a decision, and guidelines for
action. (CCC2423)
WHY does the Church need this?? Because all men are children of God and possess a unique dignity. We are all called to protect every human’s
dignity and support and strengthen the family and communities we live in for the common good. (YouCat 438)
Apply the strategy of LOOK, LISTEN, ASK, and ACT to come to your conclusion to this question.
LOOK at the summary below of the problem and the pro/con statements on the back of this sheet.
Did you Know? Social networking sites are a top news source….The US President and most governors are on Twitter…..Students
who used social media had an average GPA lower than those who do not use social media…
Those in favor of Social Networking say they promote increased interaction with friends and family; offer valuable access to
educational support, help social and political change, and get out useful information quickly.
Those who oppose Social Networking say it prevents personal communication, alters children’s brains, wastes time on frivolous
activity, exposes users to predators, and spreads false and potentially dangerous information.
LISTEN to what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says.
Go to: YouCat 460 and read the question, answer, and explanation
CCC 2512 says “Society has a right to information based on truth, freedom, and justice. One should practice
moderation and discipline in the use of the social communications media.
LISTEN to what the Bible says.
Look up Philippians 4:8.
Discuss the Pro/Con statements on the back with your parents and LISTEN to their opinion.
Now ASK God for guidance to make an informed decision.
ACT by writing on the lines below your conclusion about the question are Social Networking sites
good for our society. If you conclude that they are harmful, you should change your habits
and also inform others to let them know what you have discovered by doing this research.
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Pro & Con Arguments:
“Are Social Networking Sites Good for Our Society?
PRO Social Networking Sites
Social Networking Sites spread information
faster than any other media. Over 50% of
CON Social Networking Sites
Social media enables the spread of
unreliable and false information. 49% of
people learn about breaking news on social media. In people have heard false news via social media. In
emergencies, the Red Cross urges people to tell their 2012 false rumors of shootouts in Mexico City
families they are safe using social media outlets.
spread by twitter caused panic, closed schools, &
delayed police’s response to real dangers.
Social networking sites help face-to-face
interaction. People us social media to get to know
Social media causes people to spend less
time interacting face-to-face. A 2012 study
people before meetings. Pew Research found that
messaging can lead to face-to-face meetings when
plans are made via social media. Users messaged
close friends an average of 39 days/year and met
them in person 210/year.
found that the percentage of people reporting less
face-to-face time with family in their homes rose
from 8% to 34%. 32% report texting during meals
instead of talking with family members.
Social media sites empower individuals to
make social change and do social good on a
community level. Victims of Hurricane Sandy
Social networking sites facilitate
cyberbulling. 49% of students report being
found lost photos and mementos via social media. A
CA soccer goalie was bullied about losing a game
until 100 of his Facebook friends changed their
profile to reflect one of his saves – silencing the
bullies.
victims of bullying online. According to a 2012
survey, 800,000 students were harassed or bullied
on Facebook. Middle school children who were
victims of cyberbulling were almost twice as likely
to attempt suicide. Adults are also victims of
cyberbullying.
Being part of a social networking site can
The use of social media is correlated with
increase a person’s quality of life and reduce personality and brain disorders, such as the
the risk of health problems. Friends on social
inability to have personal conversations, a
media can help promote exercise and diet. Providing need for instant gratification, ADHD, and
users with a large social group can improve their
addictive behaviors. A UCLA study revealed
memory retention, stroke recovery, and over all
satisfaction and well-being in life.
web users had fundamentally altered prefrontal
cortexes due to the fast pace of social networking
sites rewiring the brain with repeated exposure.
Constant internet use is associated with loneliness,
depression and anxiety.
Social networking sites help student do
better at school. 59% of students with access to
Students who are heavy social media users
tend to have lower grades. Students who use
the Internet report that they use social networking
sites to discuss educational topics and 50% use the
sites to talk about school assignments.
social media had an average GPA of 3.06 while nonusers had an average GPA of 3.82. Students who
use social media while studying scored 20% lower
on tests.
This information was found at www.procon.org. Further documentation can be accessed at that site.