Reasons why Grade 8 Learners of the Integrated School of Lawa Spend Time Using Social Networking Sites

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Teenagers are the biggest consumers of social networking sites. Their dependence to these sites was evident with their stories and pictures constantly posted, sometimes, with just minutes or an hour interval from their previous posts. The advantages of using SNS are quite clear, such as communication, business, and other personal purposes, but these advantages are being forgotten with all the disadvantages using SNS brought. Parents feel that their teens no longer pay attention to them when they were together, that their teens were glued to their mobile devices, and that SNS led to teen depression, bullying, and many more. With the drawbacks mentioned, the researcher wanted to know why ISL's Grade 8 learners still spend time or even wasted time using social networking sites.

METHODS

To determine the reasons why Grade 8 Learners of the Integrated School of Lawa spend time using social networking sites, a sample survey was used as the study method. Survey studies are usually used to find facts by collecting data directly from the involved population or sample. It is the most commonly used descriptive method in researches.

RESULTS

Based on the findings, the reasons why ISL's Grade 8 learners spent time using SNS were as follow: (1) to gain more friends, (2) to express their feelings, (3) effective tools for e-learning, (4) a great influencer in terms of the latest trends, and (5) improve their communication skills. The researcher found a positive response among the participants' answers in the survey done despite the disadvantages of using SNS.

DISCUSSIONS

In spite of the positive outcome of the study, there was still the need for the parents to monitor their children's use of social networking sites. By observing the frequency of use and posts, the parents might have an idea on the life their children were leading and would be able to intervene when needed.