Simple+List+of+Pros

Users have a choice to set privacy settings.

Not the Social Networking sites causing harm, but the users. Examples of comparisons--not the gun, but the person behind the gun

Harms that occur on soc ntwkg sites are not always unique to social ntwkg sites--example: if they are the type of person that wastes time on the computer, they are just as likely to waste it watching tv or video games--it's the personality of the person

Users enter into an agreement--don't sign on for something you don't want

Users are forewarned that their information can be used for tracking or advertising information

Using our information for advertising purposes is actually helpful because it offers ads for things we may really want to buy

The knowledge that you will be held accountable for your actions may actually help people become more cautious about their behavior--there is a record of everything--bullying, etc.

Social networking content is not necessarily "junk" but rather there is a lot of valuable information

A means of collaboration; strentgh of many minds working together

Opportunity to learn about other cultures, religions, traditions--the chance to appreciate another point-of-view that you hadn't even thought of

Using this type of media in a controlled school environment gives teachers the opportunity to prepare students how to deal with any negatives that could occur; therefore being proactive; making what they will use eventually on their own safer

Great way to exchange information--classroom, special interest groups (book clubs, engineering enthusiasts, etc.)

If you don't have a computer, you can use with a cell phone. If you don't have that, you can use the library--leave messages to come back to later. Can always access at friends, relatives, etc.

Interesting way to hold classes

Way to have virtual classes when weather prevents meeting in person

Helps people keep in touch with relatives and friends; helps relieve isolation of shut-ins/people who can't get out due to age or illness; can communicate and learn from others that have a common interest or even a common problem; helps you to cope with stressful problems--find examples


 * Side note: Look up Face Time article--monster match

Students need to be taught how to use social networking responsibly--not just blocked by filters as if it doesn't exist

Hate speech--true nature of people is going to come out anyway--this way there is a physcal record

Any hobby or entertainment takes away time from exercising or reading, etc. It is the choice of the user--social networking doesn't take time away from exercising, etc.

Obesity is due to lack of exercise, motivation, poor diet, slow metabolism, or genetics. Even people using social networking sites can take time out to exercise. If that's not their character, then they'd be doing something else, like eating, watching videos, etc.

Twitter--breif responses help teach word choice, ideas that stay on topic, your audience, and punctuation

Increases motivation--when people know their writing will be published, they are more motivated to share ideas in a clear concise way that is in an appropriate format. learning the real power of communication through literacy

Allows communication for people who do not have freedom of speech--examples, Egypt, Japan, China, etc.

Social networking sites allow you to block, report abuse, and have evidence

Isn't laziness, however, increases convenience; allows important information to be shared immediately; just another

Using multimedia to communicate--creativity, learning to use pictures, etc.

Examples of parental controls--parents have the ability to set parental controls

Put ownership of behavior on individuals, not the social medium

Parents can actually keep tabs on child's life by viewing posts (their child and friends of their child), pictures, etc.

There are flexible controls--you can block people, make certain sections viewable or editable by selected people.

It's human nature to be social. Social networking sites increase communication and enhance relationships

Over time, technology has been used to help increase communication. It's a natural progression that it becomes better and more accessible over time.

People can abuse many things, but that doesn't mean we should stop participating in things. For example, some people abuse friendships, but that shouldn't put us off from having friends.

Great way to make friends, meet new people, set up social activities with groups of friends.

Fear of unknown--People have negative feelings about s. networking because there is a fear of the unknown. There are technophobes that spread negative thoughts--this creates fear in people ignorant about technology

Social Networking has replaced anonymous chat rooms where it was more dangerous because it was mostly a group of strangers.

Note: Get evidence from Megan Meir case

Some people say that social networking takes away from school work, but it is ultimately the students responsibility to buckle down and get work done. It's always been this way--there's always been slackers, just different forms of distractions

Allows teachers to clearly communicate expectations to students and parents. Students and parents cannot use the excuse that they didn't know or understand what is expected of them.

Social networking allows people to initiate conversations.

Predators need to be reported, just as they would in any other situation. Parents need to be actively involved.

Can bypass biases, disabilities, racism, etc.