Social networking and being "always on"

The article by Dr. Nicole A. Buzzeto-More is a great read on how prominent social networking has become today and how it is being used today by educators to provide new ways of learning .  Dr. Buzzeto-More completed a survey consisting of 186 people on how using facebook or a social networking can be beneficial in a learning environment. 
In the survery, over 60% agreed that social networking sites can enhance the learning process, while 23% remained neutral.  In my personal experiences, I am able to learn best when I am able to discuss and conversate with others, this helps me learn and retain the content of study.  Social networking creates a great platform to be able to have open communication and discussion about a specific topic.  I strongly agree that social networking sites can enhance learning.  As I continue to learn and read more about social networking and media through this course, the more I can see the benefits of how social networking can be used in the classroom and can enhance learning in a variety of different ways.
60% of the participants agreed that using Facebook will enhance class discussion.   In my personal experience, I am more likely to visit, discuss a topic on a platform that I am familiar with, and use already.  Over 50% of the population of North America uses Facebook (Infographics Lab, 2012.)  I agree with the majority of the participants in the survey that Facebook will enhance class discussion.  Facebook is a tool that most of my peers are already using, and are accessing every day, This can only enhance class discussion.
Check out the great article!
http://www.ijikm.org/Volume7/IJIKMv7p063-090Buzzetto611.pdf

The second article focused on the repercussions of having a generation that is “always on.”  This is referring to the current generation that has online recourses and social media at their fingertips.  I really enjoyed the different perspectives of the different possible outcomes of this may bring.  One side believes in the positives of this reality, that this will promote multitasking and creativeness.  Having the opportunity to network, and share information easily will be advantageous.  The other side brings up the argument that being “always on” may not be a good thing.   That this could affect the new generation’s ability to remember and learn content, develop strong relationships, and placing importance on material that may be opinion based.

I agree that being “always on” has both positive and negative aspects.  The positive things that the internet brings are stronger than the negatives.  The opportunity that the internet provides to easily discuss and share information will continue to be world changing.  If we are able to study and be aware of the negative aspects the internet and social media will bring, we will be more equipped to deal with the content we face on the internet.  This was a great article!
http://www.elon.edu/e-net/Article/59585