Facebook induced failure

Facebook: the latest tool used by students mastering the fine art of procrastination. Be it essays, coursework or revision, a quick check (or larger dose) of Facebook is generally considered a preferable alternative to continuing with work. But while it may seem simply a frivolous and inconsequential distraction, recent studies suggest that regular use of the famous social networking site is to the detriment of students’ academic performance.

Research shows that the majority of students who spend time on Facebook everyday are performing considerably worse in exams than those who abstain from using the site, scoring a whole grade lower than their peers. Studies have ascertained that those who habitually use the site (renowned as an effortless way to keep in contact with friends), spend less time studying, and may dedicate as little as an hour a week to their academic work. However, researchers have yet to determine whether a student’s academic performance continues to decline in correlation with the greater amount of time they spend on Facebook.

At a mere click of the mouse hours of endless entertainment are to be had, flicking through others’ wall messages, profile pictures and videos. The facility with which people can check Facebook has led to many employers blocking the site on their office computers, for fear that staff members are underperforming.
Nonetheless, the majority of students continue to believe that their constant use of Facebook has little impact on their work.