7. Social Media

Social media, a third-party technology in education alongside dominant tools like Learning Management Systems (LMS), embodies both positive and negative aspects. While it fosters connection and engagement, it also spreads disinformation. Initially democratizing, it reshaped academic relationships and student engagement. Yet, educators face a quandary: balancing its benefits against its harms, with some opting out altogether.

Potential benefits include increased student recruitment, engagement, and retention. However, navigating fake news and misinformation is crucial, requiring expertise development. Notably, social media platforms often serve as infrastructure for online experiences, blurring distinctions between professional and personal spheres. This blurring, while beneficial for reaching diverse audiences, also poses risks like context collapse, where different audiences encounter the same content, leading to misunderstandings or harassment.

Ultimately, social media offers tools and opportunities for education but demands critical navigation due to its complex nature and inherent risks (Weller, 2023; Zawacki-Richter & Jung, 2023).