The Effects of Social Media on Communication Skills 2
The Effects of Social Media on Communication Skills
The advent of social networking sites (SNSs) such as Twitter, Facebook, and SnapChat
has created novel avenues for communication between people. With the growth and expansion of
information and communication technologies, social media has become an important tool for
routine social interactions not only in real life, but in the classroom, as well (Kadi, 2015, p. 186).
However, while social media promotes communication skills by increasing engagement and
technological proficiency, the shift from face-to-face communication has in some instances led
to a decline in communication skills through acts such as cyber bullying.
Without a doubt, using social media has the potential of increasing technological
proficiency and engagement, thereby improving communication and collaboration skills. This
notwithstanding, the negative effects of social media on communication skills abound. Among
the most discernible effects is on social communication. Children, for instance, build social skills
by interacting with fellow children in face-to-face settings. According to McCrae et al. (2017, p.
p. 316), social media limits such interactions at the most critical moment in the child’s
development, leading to social anxiety that impedes the development of effective communication
skills.
Children are finding it difficult to develop the skills required for social communication.
Social media also encourage virtual relationships, and with such platforms providing anonymity
and relatively low consequences, individuals are finding it easier to say things they would not
ordinarily communicate to others. Social media has led to increased instances of cyber bullying
and a decrease in adolescents’ social skills. Social networking sites allow people to communicate
around the clock. One downside of this unfettered communication is that it has become easier to
cruel to others while hiding behind the anonymity that social media affords.
