2 The framework of socialisation, self-regulation and safety

A rectangular box containing text within it. The text changes when each of the three colour-coded tabs at the top of the rectangle are clicked.

Thus the first tab heading is Socialisation: Social media can undoubtedly provide a sense of connectedness between students. This may be particularly important for those who are studying in remote settings via distance education or who rarely see their peers. However, even students meeting in lecture halls and seminar rooms may find text-based communication brings about ways of interacting that are less intimidating. The challenge with socialisation comes largely from the FOMO (fear of missing out), this is the anxiety that you might feel if you are not on logging into these groups or keeping on top of every chat in WhatsApp. You may not feel able to disconnect from these groups.

The second tab heading is Safety: Social media is a risky space and safety fears online are complicated and ever changing. This refers not only to physical safety but also emotional safety. In the higher educational context, it also refers to academic safety, you may be exposed to content that could be considered to be beyond the university’s regulations. In summary, it means thinking through your actions in a way that protects yourself and keeps you, and your digital identity, out of harm’s way.

The third heading is Self-regulation: Many students don’t realise how much time answering a few texts or commenting on Facebook posts can take up. This aspect of the framework refers to how students can compartmentalise the many online distractions that are competing for attention and time. The core message of Ana Homayoun, and many other authors, are that despite the increasing negative energy that surrounds social media use, if one can find ways to use social media wisely, there are some more benefits. These can include fostering creativity, being well informed, and becoming a creator oneself.