Teenage Struggle Essay Example

Teenage Struggle Essay Chapter 1 Problem and its Setting The emergence of new technologies and the fast-paced technological advancements marked the beginning of the 21st century. Different gadgets and tools to suffice the wants and to help ease the difficulties encountered by man in his daily existence have been invented and are constantly developed. Unlike in the past, these changes are not confined to a certain nation or country only, but rather, to the whole human population. Effects of these technologies in the fields of medicine, education, transportation, communication, economics, and warfare, to name a few, are globally observable. Information superhighway is undoubtedly one of the most developed fields. Extensive researches have been done to improve this indispensable field. Social Networking communities are here to stay. Facebook has over 500 million users, while twitter has over 200 million. That’s not even counting blogs or Youtube video blogs. There’s no doubt that the students are actively engaged in online communities. Some of the social networking sites have a negative discernable effect on us as human beings. How much do these selected social networking sites affect out our actions, our thoughts, our decisions in general our lives? We will write a custom essay sample on Teenage Struggle specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Teenage Struggle specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Teenage Struggle specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Social networking sites offer people new and varied ways to communicate via internet, whether through their PC or their mobile phone. They allow people to easily and simply create their own online page or profile and to construct and display an online network of contacts, often called ‘friends’. Users of these sites can communicate via their profile both with their friends and with people outside their list of contacts. This can be on a one-to one basis (much like an email), or in a more public way such as a comment posted for all to see. We live in a society which praises individuality freedom, therefore to most people it is a scary thought that an outside source, such as some of social networking sites has a large effect in our lives, therefore it is no surprise that most people do not believe that these selected social-networking sites have a strong effects on them. But when it comes to students it becomes more personal. The effects of our modern media on the students are something that we do not really know for many years. If ever, history might give us a clue – the parallels between the advent of today’s new social networking sites amp; the advent of books show that we could be in paradigm societal change. But no other media absorbed one’s life in such a passive, complacent way as the internet do to thousands of students. More research are need to be done in this field, but we believe that it is self apparent to everyone that some of the social networking sites have a large impact on our l ives. We determine our identity in relation to – Facebook, Twitter, Google, Youtube; are all determined by some social networking sites to some extent. Ideally, as researchers we would learn the skills to discern the effect of some social networking sites in our lives learn to control to resist its temptations. Thesis Statement This study identifies how social networking sites, particularly Facebook and Twitter, influence students in doing good and bad things, on how social media affects the mental physical behavior of students in school or at home. This study also wants to identify how students adapt to the exposure of many people that they do not know on the internet. The researchers want to study how some of the social networking sites influence students because the researchers want to know how they adapt to different people how they adapt to new social trends in our time. Objectives 1. To determine how Facebook and Twitter influence the academic performance of the selected grade 8 students. 2. How Facebook and Twitter affects the physical, mental and social health of the selected grade 8 students. 3. To enumerate their motivations why they are using these some social networking sites. Hypothesis A. Null Hypothesis Many students rely on the accessibility of information on the social networking sites specifically and the web in general to provide answers. That means a reduced focus on learning and retaining information such as the features of the web wherein sites can be bookmarked or downloaded, thus, making it available for students anytime. B. Alternative Hypothesis Social Networking sites have increased the rate quality of collaboration for students. They are able to communicate meeting times or share information quickly, which can increase productivity and help them learn how to work well in groups. Social networking sites teach students skills that they will need to survive in the business world. Being able to create and maintain connections to many industries is an integral part of developing a career or building a business. Statement of the Problem Generally, this research paper is giving information about the effects of social networking sites, particularly Facebook and Twitter, to the studies of selected grade 8 students of St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City. Specifically, it seeks to answer the following: 1. What are the profiles of the respondents in terms of their: a. Age b. Gender c. Time allotted for using social networking site/s d. Time allotted for studying 2. Why do they need to register to these social networking sites? 3. Are there any changes in your everyday activities when you started using social networking sites? 4. Are they aware in any harm that the social networking sites might do to them? 5. What are their motivations why are they using these some social networking sites? Scope and Limitations Because of many Social Networking sites in the Philippines, this research focuses on the two mostly used by the youth, Facebook and Twitter. The study was conducted at St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City. It will focus on the positive negative effects of the social networking sites, particularly Facebook and Twitter on studies of the selected grade 8 students. Thus, it will be limited to the output that the selected respondents, every 20 students from grade 8 students coming from the sections Diligence, Justice, Patience, Prudence and Purity will provide such as data and information that will come from the questionnaires that were distributed as well as the information that will be gathered and criticized. Significance of the Study The result of the study will benefit the following: To the Students of St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City This study will give information on how to use it in a proper manner and to be aware of how these social networking sites could affect their studies. To the Faculty This study will give the teachers sufficient knowledge about how the students utterly affect their studies because of the social networking sites nowadays. How this new technology affects the youth nowadays. To the Community This study intends to make the community aware on the effects of social networking sites. To give information on how they can use it in a more advantageous way. To the Future Researchers The researchers can have a basis for future study regarding on the effects of Facebook and Twitter in the studies of grade 8 students. To the Parents Parents must know this social networking sites and how it affect on their child’s study habits. Also, to guide them in their academics. To the User This study would also help the user to control the usage of Facebook and Twitter and to focus more on his/her studies. DEFINITION OF TERMS * Abuse – The improper usage or treatment for a bad purpose, often to unfairly or improper gain benefit. * Dependent – Relying on someone or something else for aid, support. * Descriptive Study – A statistical study to identify patterns or trends in a situation, but not the casual linkages among its different elements. * Facebook Is a popular free social networking website that allows registered users to create profiles, upload photos and video, send messages and keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues. Mental Health – Describes a level of psychological well-being, or an absence of a mental disorder. * Paradigm – One that serves as a pattern model. * Questionnaire – A research instrument consisting of a series of questions other prompts for the purpose gathering information from respondents. * Social Networking Sites A social networking site is website where individuals can set up an online profile, describing his/her interests, and add links to other profiles. Generally, users are able to post personal information, including photographs, videos, and blog entries. Temptation – The act of tempting or the condition of being tempted. * Twitter is an online social networking service and micro blogging service that enable its users to send and read text-based messages of up to 140 characters, known as tweets. Chapter 2 Related Literature and Studies 2. 1 Related Literature (Awake, 2011. ) Social networking site can be addictive â€Å"After just a few days of having an account, I couldn’t stop looking. Students can just spend their hours through pictures and post instead of studying. It consumes your time, privacy, reputation, friendship and time. (Boyd, 2006. In educational institutions, success is measured by study habits, or how well a student meets standards set out by local government and the institution itself. As career competition grows ever fiercer in the working world , the importance of students doing well in school has caught the attention of parents, legislators and government education departments alike. Therefore, when the term â€Å"low† is integrated with the term â€Å"study habits†, it is the inability to acquire particular grades on examinations that indicated the individual’s mastery of the content, and skills in applying learned knowledge to specific circumstances. Wiseman, 1961. ) on the point of study habits or excellence, (Tuckman, 1975. ) posted that, performance is used to label the observable manifestation of knowledge, skills, concepts, and understanding and ideas. Thereby, performance is the application of learning product that at the end of the process provides mastery. It is the acquisition of particular grades on examinations indicated a candidates’ ’ ability, mastery of the content, skills in applying learned knowledge to particular situations. A student’s success is generally judg ed on examination performance. Success in examinations is a crucial indicator that a student has benefited from a course of study. Source: http://www. irma-international. org/viewtitle/43067/ 2. 1. 1 Local Articles Facebook had over 500 million users who go online with active profiles. Because of its great influence, Facebook has a lot of critics, and for good reason. No matter how you look at it, whether it is consensual or not, Facebook is intrusive. Not too many Filipinos are aware that Facebook has received so much criticism. It is not that they are not aware of what is going on in other countries. It is more a case of not being able to relate rather than not knowing or caring enough to learn about other countries. Facebook makes it easy for us to connect and share things we like and to read about and know our friends. It has made complex human interaction simpler; it made things that were already there easier. It has simplified how we live our lives. Source: http://opinion. inquirer. net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20110304-323534/The-Facebook-effect 2. 1. 1. 1 The Facebook Effect This article is related to the research because it explains the facts and effects about Facebook. This article will help us to understand why the youth continuously patronizing Facebook and other social networking sites. What are the things/reasons why they choose it instead of studying. 2. 1 Related Studies How do Social Networking Sites Affect Students? Most of the time, students spend their time hanging around the web with the popular social networking sites. Every day, more and more people are getting more attached to  Social Networking sites  Ã‚  as it is now moving in as one of the primary means of communication of people. Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ ere only a few of the tons of the sites out there that caters the need of people. Through Social Media, people have the chance to combine work and relaxation. However, did you ever encounter the question? How do Facebook affect your life? And what is your answer? What are the benefits a student can get by using Social Networking Sites? Here are some points: * Get in touch with your loved ones, relatives, and   friends * Get to know the latest   news and issues * Participate in online discussions * Communicate with your classmates * Be reminded   of assignments, projects, and   quizzes Conduct group meetings for group projects and announcements * Get the latest status and messages of your friends through the News   Feed Obviously, social sites have a lot of uses for people with their exceptional functionalities. Even without meeting in person, people can now interact with each other and make a productive gathering. However, despite the fact that Social Media are extremely helpful, it is still not perfect because there are still some negative points we can encounter while using it. Some of the bad effects are: * It invades your privacy * It distracts you in everything you do Too much attachment to it may lead to spending too much time in it without doing your tasks * There are some wrong information released by unauthorized people that  causes fear The mentioned good and bad effects were only partial and it also varies depending on the person involved. Though some people still makes the best out of  Social Media, we can’t still forget the negative side of it. Maybe, we should just ask ourselves on what is our current position in the Social Networking World. The ever-growing technology helps us make our life easier and better but we must be sure that we should treat it with moderation. Source: http://www. noypigeeks. com/featured/how-do-social-networking-sites-affect-students/ 2. 2. 1 Local Studies It is true that an interactive world can help the students to do their assignments efficiently and accurately. The young members of population have started the marketers to start experimenting with alternative forms of communication. The birth of social networking sites and its growth is enormously fast and the members are unlimited ( 2009). The only purpose of the social networking is to follow the success of Google in which they also adopted the advertising-based model. But the social networking sites did not realize that their adaptation of the advertising-based model is not sustainable since the students are only accessing their site just to interact of communicate with their friends and not to purchase their products online. There is so much promise in advertising online, especially when there are large marketers, but if the target of the online site is the middle aged people – the success is seemingly blurred. Source: http://opinion. inquirer. net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20110304-323534/The-Facebook-effect 2. 2. 1. Effect of social networking to students study habit However, it is logical to think that the students who used to view their network account more than necessary in a day is highly risky in failing grades, than the one who can manage her or his time and maintaining the routine to finish all his assignments before clicking the icons on his homepage. 2. 1. 2 International Articles Social networking websites are causing alarmi ng changes in the brains of young users. Sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Bebo are said to shorten attention spans, encourage instant gratification and make young people more self-centered. More than 150 million use Facebook to keep in touch with friends, share photographs and videos and post regular updates of their movements and thoughts. A further six million have signed up to Twitter, the micro-blogging service that lets users circulate text messages about themselves. but while the sites are popular and extremely profitable a growing number of psychologists and neuroscientists believe they may be doing more harm than good. Lady Greenfield told the Lords a teacher of 30 years had told her she had noticed a sharp decline in the ability of her pupils to understand others. Psychologists have also argued that digital technology is changing the way we think. They point out that students no longer need to plan essays before starting to write thanks to word processors they can edit as they go along. The author said that he’s not against technology and computers. But before they start social networking, they need to learn to make real relationships with people. Source: http://www. dailymail. co. uk/news/article-1153583/Social-websites-harm-childrens-brains-Chilling-warning-parents-neuroscientist. html 2. 1. 2. 1 Social Websites Harm Childrens Brains This article is related to the research because it explains how the physical and mental abilities of the children affected because of Twitter and Facebook. Also, it explains why Facebook strongly patronizes by the youth. 2. 2. 1. 2 International Studies Social networking websites like Orkut, Facebook, Myspace and Youtube are becoming more and more popular and has become part of daily life for an increasing number of people. Because of their features, young people are attracted to social networking sites. In this paper, the authors explore the impact of social networking sites on the education of youth. The study argues that these social networking websites distract students from their studies, but these websites can be useful for education based on sound pedagogical principles and proper supervision by the teachers. Moreover, the research concludes that social networking websites have both positive as well as negative impact on the education of youth, depending on one’s interest to use it in a positive manner for his or her education and vice versa. Source: http://www. irma-international. org/viewtitle/43067/ 2. 2. 1. 2. 1 The Impact of Social Networking Websites on the Education of Youth This study is related to the research because it has the same problem that the researchers want to distinguish. It explains how useful are the social networking sites are. Chapter 3 Methodology The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of Facebook and Twitter to the studies of the selected Grade 8 students of St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City. This chapter discusses the research method, the respondents, the research instrument, the procedure and the statistical treatment of data. Research Design: Descriptive Method was used to achieve the object of this study. This method is the gathering, analyzing and making accurate statistical method reference books and articles in the internet. It seeks to describe how do Facebook and Twitter affect the studies of Grade 8 students of St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City. Respondents: The respondents of this research involved the selected Grade 8 students of St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City. Survey forms from each 5 section namely Diligence, Justice, Patience, Prudence and Purity were distributed. Due to the large number of students, only 50% of the total number of respondents will be included to avoid discrepancy. Research Instrument: The researchers distributed questionnaires to each student; it includes simple yet conceptual questions. The researchers strategically apprehend of questions that would accurately reflect the desired data and result. The questions are as follows: Statistical Treatment: For the statistical treatment of data gathered, the researchers utilized theerfectage inorder to quantify the data gathered. For all the actors, the formula is P = F * 100 N Where P = Percentage F = Frequency N = Total number of respondents Conceptual Framework STAGE 1 Choosing a subject for a study and its potential problems. Suggesting ideas on what topic will benefit administrators, students and to the future researchers. STAGE 2 Looking for and using reliable sources for the background of the study. * Gathering information through books that was made by the previous researchers. STAGE 3 Planning and preparing the survey tools to be used in the study. -The group planned to have a multiple choice question type by Ebel in 1992 STAGE 4 Distribution and collection of the survey tools from the respondents. * Researchers will distribute a total of 100 copies of survey forms to the sophomore students. Every top 20 of each class will answer the given questionnaire. STAGE 5 Tabulating, Analyzing and Interpreting the data gathered. * Once answered and returned, the researchers will tabulate and analyze the results based on the respondents answers. STAGE 6 Analyzed data, drawing conclusion, and giving recommendation. Devise findings from the results. Formulate own conclusions on the results to the survey. Propose recommendations Theoretical Framework * The researchers conduct survey test about the effects of Twitter and Facebook to the strudies of grade 8 students. The researchers will tabulate the results in the survey that the researcher made to figure the common mistakes of the respondents. * The Researches want to identify what are effects of Twitter and Facebook to the strudi es of grade 8 students. * Social Networking sites have increased the rate ; quality of collaboration for students. They are able to communicate meeting times or share information quickly. * Many students rely on the accessibility of information on the social networking sites specifically and the web in general to provide answers. Chapter 4 Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data This chapter reviewed the analysis of the survey that was used by the proponents, the analysis table that shows the result of the survey and the interpretation of each table. TABLE 1: Exhibits the results of the survey questions 1 – 4 are concerned with the information when students are using Facebook and Twitter. | No. of Respondents answered| Percentage(%)| 1. What is your time allotted for using social networking site/s per day? | | | a. More than 3 hours| 39| 39| b. More than 6 hours| 19| 19| c. Less than 3 hours| 36| 36| d. Less than 6 hours| 6| 6| TOTAL| 100| 100| 2. What is your time allotted for studying per day? | | | a. More than 3 hours| 32| 32| b. More than 6 hours| 8| 8| c. Less than 3 hours| 50| 50| d. Less than 6 hours| 10| 10| TOTAL| 100| 100| 3. Why do you need to register to these social networking sites? (Multiple answers allowed)| | | a. To keep in touch with friends and family. | 70| 46. 05| b. To meet new people. | 39| 25. 66| c. For school purposes such as research| 43| 28. 29| d. Others: ______________| 0| 0| TOTAL| 152| 100| 4. Do you find Facebook and Twitter addicting? | | | a. YES. (please rate your addiction from 1-10. No. is the lowest) _______| 80| 80| b. NO. | 20| 20| TOTAL| 100| 100| 4. a. Addiction Level| | | 1| 0| 0| 2| 0| 0| 3| 0| 0| 4| 3| 4. 69| 5| 8| 10| 6| 7| 8. 75| 7| 11| 13. 75| 8| 29| 33. 75| 9| 11| 13. 75| 10| 11| 13. 75| TOTAL| 80| 100| From question number 1 and 2, the leading time allotted for students in using Facebook and Twitter and for studying is more than 6 hours followed by less than 6 hours. From th e third question, we can see that the reason why students registers to Facebook and Twitter is that they want to keep in touch with friends and families. It is followed by for school purposes. Seeing the fourth question, the majority of the sophomore students said that it is addicting to use Facebook and Twitter. We asked them to rate their addiction form 1 – 10 and the most number is 8 followed by 7, 9 and 10. TABLE 2: Presents the physical, mental and social attitude of the students when they are using Twitter and Facebook. | ALWAYS| SOMETIMES| SELDOM| NEVER| Do you often get dizzy when you browse the internet? | 3| 48| 29| 20| Do you prefer to just stay at home and open your Facebook or Twitter account than to go with your friends? | 11| 44| 30| 15| Do you prefer to use Twitter of Facebook rather than studying? 13| 44| 33| 10| How often Facebook do helps you in studying? | 17| 54| 24| 5| How often does Facebook help you to overcome your mental illness? | 14| 34| 40| 12| TOTAL| 100| 100| 100| 100| The study shows that sometimes, the students get dizzy when they are browsing the net, they just prefer to stay at home rather than to go with their friends. Also, they said that sometimes, Facebook and Twitter were useful/helpful in their studying. To the last question, they answered seldom on how does Facebook help them to overcome their mental illness. Chapter 5 Summary of Findings The study utilized the survey approach of research precisely the descriptive method. The said approach is used as much as the principal rationale of the study was to figure out the problems and/or situations under such factors that mostly affect their academic performance. Students from grade 8 of St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City were asked to fill up a survey questionnaire. In order to determine the factors that affect students academic performance, the qualitative research techniques were used particularly the multiple choice questions by Ebel in 1992 and scale type by Kerlington in 1992. A survey questionnaire was prepared for students. This instrument was used to determine the problems and/or situations under such factors that mostly affect students academic performance. The questionnaire consists of 10 items as indicators. 39% of the sophomore students answered that they allotted more than 3 hours per day spending for Facebook and Twitter. 82% of them answered that they spent more than 3 hours in studying per day. 80% of the respondents believed that they find Twitter and Facebook addicting for them. As we asked them to rate their addiction from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest), we got number 8 as the highest vote. As you can see the table 2 figure, numbers 1-4 got the most answer of sometimes. It means that Facebook and Twitter has a great impact on the sophomore students. Question number 5 has 40% of students who answered. Conclusions Based on the findings, the following conclusions were drawn: 1. The majority of the student respondents spend more than 3 hours in using social networking sites. 2. Most of the student respondents spend more than 3 hours in studying. 3. The main reason of the students why they are using social networking sites is because they want to keep in touch with their friends and families. . We found out that social networking sites are very addicting. 5. Sometimes, students do experience dizziness when staying long hours using the computer 6. Only a few students choose to stay at home to open their Facebook and Twitter accounts rather than to go out with their friends. 7. Almost half of our respondents said that Facebook sometimes helps them in their studies. 8. Facebook and Twitter seldom help the students to overcome their mental illness. Recommendations On the basis of findings and conclusions taken from the study, the following recommendations are given for consideration. 1. The students should avoid spending long hours in using social networking sites and talk with their parents. 2. The parents should set their own house Internet rules and take good part on their role in their childrens school performance. 3. The teachers should maintain their good relationship with their students and guide their students in using social networking sites. 4. The school administrators should be aware of the health hazards of using social networking sites so they can well educate the students. 5. The future researchers should also use other types of survey that will make the study more comprehensive. They should also gather other information about their respondents, e. g. , gender, age, school level, and apply more questions that will make the survey more convincing and realiable. Appendices NAME (optional): AGE: SECTION: GENDER: I. DIRECTIONS: Read each question and encircle the letter of your choice. Please answer honestly. Thank You. 5. What is your time allotted for using social networking site/s per day? e. More than 3 hours f. More than 6 hours g. Less than 3 hours . Less than 6 hours 6. What is your time allotted for studying per day? e. More than 3 hours f. More than 6 hours g. Less than 3 hours h. Less than 6 hours 7. Why do you need to register to these social networking sites? (You may choose more than one. ) e. To keep in touch with friends and family. f. To meet new people. g. For school purposes such as research h. Others: ______________ 8. Do you find Facebook and Twitter addicting? c. YES. (please rate your addiction from 1-10. No. 1 is the lowest) _______ d. NO . 9. Are there any changes in your everyday activities when you started using social networking sites? . YES. b. NO. II. Please answer based on your opinion. | ALWAYS| SOMETIMES| SELDOM| NEVER| Do you often get dizzy when you browse the internet? | | | | | Do you prefer to just stay at home and open your Facebook or Twitter account than to go with your friends? | | | | | Do you prefer to use Twitter of Facebook rather than studying? | | | | | How often Facebook do helps you in studying? | | | | | How often does Facebook helplp you to overcome your mental illness? | | | | | SIGNATURE: ________________ SOURCE: http://www. quibblo. com/quiz/aWuYw2c/20-Questions-for-Social-Media-Users