Social networking sites like Facebook have become a vital component of students’ lives in the current digital era. While frequent pauses from studying to utilize social media might improve students’ productivity and general well-being, excessive Facebook use can have a negative impact on academic achievement. Despite the widespread belief that Facebook is only a diversion, moderate use of the platform can be helpful for unwinding, fostering social connections, and reviving the brain, all of which can enhance academic performance.
Firstly, reasonable Facebook breaks provide kids a chance to unwind and mentally refresh themselves. Studying for long stretches of time without breaks can cause burnout and impair focus. Students can temporarily withdraw from scholastic responsibilities by taking brief pauses to surf Facebook, which helps to relieve tension and mental exhaustion. According to Online Schools, most students prefer spending their study breaks updating their Facebook status, contacting friends, and generally engaging in tech-savvy time killers (OnlineSchools, n.d.). Also, a survey of a sample of students established that 83% of them stated their lives were either ‘somewhat stressful’ or ‘very stressful’ while 72% of those who did not engage in social media gave the same response. In addition, another study by Shanmugasundaram & Tamilarasu (2023) indicates that quick breaks from using digital devices and browsing social media help relieve cognitive overload. That means after a student returns to study, their concentration becomes enhanced thanks to the break. Thus, planned Facebook breaks can be useful stress-reduction techniques that support students in striking a good balance between their personal and academic obligations.
Secondly, Facebook breaks let kids interact with others and build support systems, which helps them succeed academically overall. Social media platforms are essential for establishing and preserving connections in today’s connected world (Shanmugasundaram & Tamilarasu, 2023). During study breaks, students may engage in meaningful conversations, share academic resources, and ask for help with assignments by connecting with friends on Facebook. Furthermore, Facebook virtual interaction helps lessen feelings of loneliness, particularly for students enrolled in online or remote learning programs. Creating robust social networks has been associated with enhanced academic achievement, stronger self-esteem, and increased motivation. Consequently, including modest Facebook usage in study regimens can improve students’ participation in the classroom and sense of community.
Lastly, brief Facebook breaks can foster creativity and cognitive flexibility. Shanmugasundaram & Tamilarasu say digital technologies are a valuable avenue for discovery, exploration, and learning through exposure to new and diverse information that fosters creativity, curiosity, and adaptability. The aspects above are valuable traits in the modern world since they can enhance academic achievement and problem-solving abilities. Students are exposed to fresh concepts, viewpoints, and knowledge outside of their academic courses when they interact with a variety of content on social media sites. A more comprehensive grasp of academic subjects may be fostered by this exposure, which can stimulate creative thinking and make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. Engaging in online debates or group projects on Facebook also fosters collaborative learning opportunities and the development of critical thinking abilities. As a result, moderate Facebook use during breaks might provide beneficial chances for intellectual stimulation, which will eventually help students’ academic performance.
In conclusion, reasonable breaks can really improve students’ productivity and well-being, even while excessive Facebook use might be harmful to their academic performance. Well-managed Facebook use can help with focus, motivation, and problem-solving skills since it offers chances for unwinding, social interaction, and cognitive renewal. Therefore, teachers and students should acknowledge Facebook’s potential as a useful tool when carefully included in study habits rather than seeing it as a solely distracting factor. Students can reach their maximum academic potential and succeed in both their personal and academic lives by accepting reasonable Facebook breaks.
References
OnlineSchools. (n.d.). The science of taking a break. OnlineSchools.org. Retrieved February 13, 2024, from https://www.onlineschools.org/science-of-study-breaks/
Shanmugasundaram, M., & Tamilarasu, A. (2023). The impact of digital technology, social media, and artificial intelligence on cognitive functions: A review. Frontiers in Cognition, 2. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcogn.2023.1203077
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