# data[].attributes.headline
Task Instructions and Evaluation Criteria

# data[].attributes.subject
Task Instructions and Evaluation Criteria

# data[].attributes.body
Objective:
After reading the article about the pros and cons of social media, you will work in small groups to create a Padlet post on a chosen topic related to social media. Each group will present their findings to the class through a short explanation.

Steps:

1. Form Groups

Organize yourselves into groups of 3-4 students.

2. Read the Article

Carefully read the article about the pros and cons of social media. This article will give you an overview of various topics related to social media use.

3. Create the Padlet Post

Once you’ve chosen your topic, you will work together to create a Padlet post that includes the following:

A clear title that describes your topic.

A short introduction explaining what your topic is about.

An opinion or recommendation at the end (e.g., should we use social media more responsibly? Should we be aware of its effects on mental health?).

Note: You will be posting this on Padlet, so make sure your content is clear, concise, and engaging. You can use images, links, or videos to make your post more interesting.

4. Prepare the Presentation

After your Padlet post is completed, one representative from your group will present your post to the class.

Your presentation should take about 3-5 minutes and should include:

A brief explanation of the topic you chose.

The example(s) you provided to support your points.

Any recommendations or conclusions your group made.

Evaluation Criteria:

Your project will be evaluated based on the following:

Content: Does your Padlet post clearly explain your idea about the topic? Are your points well-researched and supported with examples?

Clarity: Is your Padlet post easy to understand? Is the presentation clear and engaging?

Creativity: Did you include any visuals, links, or other creative elements to make your Padlet post stand out?

Teamwork: Did all group members contribute to the research, writing, and presentation?

I look forward to your presentations!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Multitasking has become a common theme in our lives. It's a wonder how we manage it all.

We depend on our smartphones for work, school, our personal and social lives. When was the last time you left home without your phone and kept on going? The internet has become a significant part of our daily lives. So too has social media.

And it is having an impact on today's teens.

Social media usage

Back in 2005, when social media was still in its infancy, only about 5 percent of users in the United States were involved in social media. In 2019, that number grew to about 70 percent.

Pew Research Center surveyed social media usage and popularity among US adults early in 2019. The survey found that while the most-used social platforms for adults are YouTube and Facebook; teens prefer SnapChat and Instagram, while TikTok is reportedly the fastest growing social network among younger users.

Social media use is nearly universal among today's teens. Pew Research Center reports 97 percent of 13- to 17-year-olds use at least one of seven major online platforms.

The amount of time spent on social sites is astounding. One report indicates the average teen ages 13 to 18 spends about nine hours on social media each day; tweens ages 8 to 12 are on for about six hours a day.

Like most things, using social media has its positives (the good), its cautionary tales (the bad), and dangers (the ugly) that lurk and impact the lives of many, but especially teens.

Pros: Why is social media good?

Social media and technology offer us greater convenience and connectivity:

staying connected with family and friends worldwide via email, text, FaceTime, etc.

quick access to information and research

banking and bill pay at our fingertips

online learning, job skills, content discovery (YouTube)

involvement in civic engagement (fundraising, social awareness, provides a voice)

great marketing tools

opportunities for remote employment

Social media can be a good thing, but if teens ever feel uncomfortable about something they see or read on social, they should trust their own feelings and talk to someone - a parent, a teacher, or another trusted adult. Bullying, threats and cruelty on social media are all signs that the person doing those things needs help.

Cons: Why is social media bad?

Along with the good comes the bad. With all of its benefits, the nature of social media presents a range of potential issues.

Online vs Reality. Social media itself is not the problem. It is the way people use it in place of actual communication and in-person socializing. "Friends" on social media may not actually be friends, and may even be strangers.

Increased usage. The more time spent on social media can lead to cyberbullying, social anxiety, depression, and exposure to content that is not age appropriate.

Social Media is addicting. When you're playing a game or accomplishing a task, you seek to do it as well as you can. Once you succeed, your brain will give you a dose of dopamine and other happiness hormones, making you happy. The same mechanism functions when you post a picture to Instagram or Facebook. Once you see all the notifications for likes and positive comments popping up on your screen, you'll subconsciously register it as a reward. But that's not all, social media is full of mood-modifying experiences.

Fear of Missing Out. FOMO has become a common theme, and often leads to continual checking of social media sites. The idea that you might miss out on something if you're not online can affect your mental health.

Self-image issues. Social media sites provide tools that allow people to earn others' approval for their appearance and the possibility to compare themselves to others. It can be associated with body image concerns. The "selfieholics" and people who spend most of their time posting and scrolling are the ones most vulnerable to this. In fact, most college girls who use Facebook at least five times a day are likely to link their self-worth to their looks. That doesn't mean that the main problem is social media; it only provides a medium for it, which further elevates the problem. It also promotes the same sort of behavior to others.

Social media and bullying

Sadly, there is an ugly side to all that technology offers. While bullying is not a new concept, social media and technology have brought bullying to a new level. It becomes a more constant, ever-present threat -- cyberbullying. The State of Rhode Island anti-bullying laws & regulations define bullying and cyberbullying as follows:

"Bullying" means the use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof directed at a student that:

causes physical or emotional harm to the student or damage to the student's property

places the student in reasonable fear of harm to himself/herself or of damage to his/her property

creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or abusive educational environment for the student

infringes on the rights of the student to participate in school activities

materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school

"Cyberbullying" means bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, which shall include, but not be limited to, any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, texting or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photo electronic or photo optical system, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, Internet communications, instant messages or facsimile communications.

Bullying statistics

Every 7 minutes a child is bullied. Unfortunately, intervention is rare, with an adult intervening in only four percent of cases, and a peer in 11 percent. An astonishing 85 percent of all cases of bullying are not addressed.

The following are just some statistics on how common bullying and cyberbullying have become: According to StopBullying.org:

One out of four (25 percent) teens are bullied, while up to 43 percent have been bullied while online.

Nine out of ten LGBTQ students experienced harassment at school and online. Biracial and multiracial youth are more likely to be victimized than youth who identify with a single race. Kids who are obese, gay, or have disabilities are more likely to be bullied than other children.

58 percent have not told their parents or an adult about something mean or hurtful that happened to them online.

5.4 million children stay home on any given day because they fear being bullied.

Social media and suicide

Sadly, the cons of social media can take a toll on young minds. Suicide remains among the leading causes of death of children under age 14. In most cases, young people die from hanging.

Suicide rates among 10- to 14-year-olds have grown more than 50 percent over the last three decades, according to the American Association of Suicidology.

Suicide rates among children between the ages of 10 and 14 are very low, but are creeping up, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

What can parents do?

As parents, there are things we can do to improve our children's lives online and in real life.

Attempt to model the behavior we want to see.

Set boundaries right way when you give your child their first phone. Set parental controls on his or her phone, with access to their passwords. Phones should be charged somewhere other than their room at night, and should be shut off an hour or two before bed.

Have conversations with your children on why some things should be kept private.

Take time to actively engage with your kids face-to-face. This interaction teaches them how to follow social cues, verbal and non-verbal.

Talk to your kids without glancing at your phone.

Find opportunities to have genuine conversations that are not lectures.

Be aware of privacy concerns and cybersecurity issues.

Technology has changed the way we live, work, and socialize. But it can't replace parenting.

For more tips on parenting, visit the Grow section of our Be Well health and wellness blog.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Consider learning about the pros and cons of social media before logging in to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. from our experts here.

# data[].attributes.body
Social media have revolutionized the way we connect, communicate, and share, offering numerous benefits that enhance both personal and professional aspects of life.

Global Connection

Social media break down geographical barriers, allowing people to stay in touch with family and friends, no matter where they are. For businesses, these platforms create opportunities to network and collaborate on an international scale.

Creativity and Expression

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube give creators a stage to showcase their talents. Artists, writers, and entrepreneurs can reach a global audience, share their ideas, and grow their personal or professional brands.

Support for Businesses and Causes

Social media are powerful tools for promoting products, services, and ideas. Businesses can run targeted campaigns to reach specific audiences, while non-profits and activists use these platforms to raise awareness, mobilize supporters, and drive change.

Access to Information

Social media provide real-time access to news, trends, and industry updates, helping users stay informed. They also create opportunities for learning through tutorials, webinars, and discussions on a wide range of topics.

Community and Belonging

These platforms create communities based on shared interests, offering spaces where users can exchange ideas, seek advice, or simply feel connected to others.

In summary, social media empower individuals and organizations to connect, create, learn, and advocate. When used mindfully, they are a valuable tool for communication, self-expression, and personal growth.

Group members: Biccardi Cristian; Casapulla Salvatore; Destino Antonio; Fonzino Jacopo

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Someone who is keeping in touch with his distant friends.

# data[].attributes.body
Have you ever wondered what are the pros of using social media? Because all the evidences seem to point out only the negative aspects of these platforms. There are actually some positive sides. Surely social media have changed the way we communicate and the way we keep in touch with each others.

Social media allow people to communicate with family, friends and strangers, no matter where they live. Meeting new people and making new friends has never been easier. They also open up some possibilities to the job world, allowing some files to be shared easily and privately. It goes without saying that learning new things has become easier and accessible to everyone, but also reading the news and receiving updates sooner is possible. Therefore sharing your own ideas and opinions and taking ispirations from creations online.

In conclusion social media are powerful tools that need to be used the right way.

Dell’Aversana, Errico, Funiciello, Trama

# data[].attributes.body
Nowdays knowing how to use social media is not only useful but is expected from out peers; so it is important to have some ground rules when navigating the internet, expecially when young and just starting.

Here are some reccomendations:

- Don't start too early: having a kid below 14 years of age start using social media could dangerously alter their perception of society, so it's better to not expose them to it until they are at least 14.

-Put a time limit: being on social media for too long may lead to an addicton and shortening of attention span especially in young kids, so it's better to limit yourself or your kid.

-Do not trust everything: most things said on social media, even from trusted sources (especially from famous people), are either false or altered to fit a narrative; so it's better to always check what you read or hear.

-Do not send compromising messages: since not everyone is trustworthy, especially when they're behind a screen, keep your informations and your secret close to yourself to protect your well being.

-Report to authorities: if you think you're in danger do not be afraid to warn authorities as they are always ready to help, but are unable to if they Do not know if something is happening.

# data[].attributes.headline
NORMALIZATION OF VIOLENCE IN CYBERBULLYNG

# data[].attributes.subject
NORMALIZATION OF VIOLENCE IN CYBERBULLYNG

# data[].attributes.body
Normalization of violence in relation to cyberbullying refers to the process by which aggressive and abusive behavior online is accepted or minimized, both by those who suffer it and by society. This phenomenon amplifies the problem of cyberbullying, making it even more entrenched and difficult to combat.

How Does It Manifest?

Perception of Cyberbullying as Normal: Insults and online mockery are often seen as an unavoidable part of social media, especially by young people.

Permissive Platforms:

Social media often fails to moderate harmful content effectively, allowing aggressive behavior to spread unchecked.

Effects of Normalization in Cyberbullying

Victim Suffering:

Victims may internalize the idea that being attacked online is normal, leading to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and isolation.

Reinforcement of Bully Behavior: Cyberbullies feel encouraged when their actions are tolerated or even rewarded.

Difficulty in Combating the Issue:

When cyberbullying is seen as a normal part of online interactions, it becomes harder to convince platforms and individuals to address it seriously.

By: Ascione Francesco, Grimaldi Giada, Maffei Martina, Ragozzino Francesco, Santoro Giuseppe

# data[].attributes.body
Social media was created back in 2005 and in that time only a small percentage of population were involved in it. Now in 2024 our society’s foundation lies in social media and this led to a lot of changes in people lives.  In fact it’s having an important impact on teens and adults.

They now prefer socializing online rather than in real life, relying their life on a virtual reality. Because of this, people tend to spend more time on their electronic devices.

Social media is addicting, when you get a notification on your device your brain will give you a dose of dopamine and other happiness hormones registering it as a reward. When you don’t succeed in this “task” you will get a bad mood.

The idea of missing out on something if you aren’t online can affect your mental health and this leads you to keep scrolling, making you vulnerable to body image concerns and other self-image issues.

Bullying and cyberbulling are based on these self-insecurities creating an intimidating and hostile environment damaging the victim.

The blast of these violent expressions lead to clam up and pin in your mind the ideal of suicide or self-harm. Due to this phenomenon bunch of children under age 14 tend to go rock bottom and ease their pain through these ways. In fact the suicide rates among these ages are creeping up.

Giusy Fandi, Jessica Ferrara, Alessandro Imperiale, Fabrizio Russo