How Do Students View Technology?

Growing up in the digital age has made students more and more dependent on technology, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Many students use technology for learning help, enjoyment, and creative expression while juggling their personal interests, social relationships, and academic obligations. 

Students intentionally use technology despite worries about screen time and distractions, demonstrating how technology can improve learning, communication, and personal development when used responsibly.  

Why do I have social Media as a student?

As a student, I use social media to stay connected and updated with my peers. I prefer not to give out my phone number, so I usually share my Instagram instead. It’s a more convenient way for people to reach out to me, especially when working on group projects, since most students already have Instagram. However, one major downside is how easy it is to get distracted or start comparing yourself to others and their lives. Despite these drawbacks, I believe social media can be a powerful tool for networking, building connections, and even marketing products or businesses. I don’t see it as strictly “good,” or “bad,” it’s simply a tool, and how we use it determines its impact.

Is Social Media More Helpful Than Toxic For Students?

Most students today use social media as part of their daily lives. It has become so normalized that many don’t stop to consider whether it’s helping or harming them. While social media has its toxic side, for many students, it serves as a powerful tool for communication and connection.

Daniel Sookdeo, a senior in high school, believes social media is especially useful for networking.

“I think social media is more helpful for teens, because they’re able to connect to other people easily,”Sookdeo explains that instead of approaching people in person, it’s often easier to connect by simply sending a message online.

Sanjeev Baiju, another senior planning to pursue a career in engineering, agrees that social media has its benefits.

“I feel like it’s more useful because it gives teens a platform to socialize and connect with new people,”Baiju adds that messaging someone on Instagram can make starting a conversation feel more comfortable than trying to break the ice face-to-face.

For many students, social media is less of a distraction and more of a modern day bridge. One that helps them build friendships, share ideas, and expand their networks with just a few taps on a screen.

Would  students trust AI to make decisions for them  in the future?

Students today are using AI more than ever, thanks to easily accessible tools like ChatGPT. From getting help with homework to studying for exams and even making important life choices.AI has quickly become a regular part of their academic and personal routines.

Baiju says he would trust artificial intelligence to make major decisions for him.

“Yeah, I would trust it because they use information from professionals and websites, so you’ll be able to make an informed decision,”

Baiju believes the data driven nature of AI makes it reliable for guiding choices.

However, not all students share this perspective. Tanzina Rahman, another senior with plans to major in computer science, acknowledges AI’s benefits, but urges caution when it comes to decision making.

“Yes, AI can be useful for learning about what’s best for you, but you shouldn’t let AI make major life decisions for you that can alter your life,” Rahman said. For Rahman, human judgment, intuition, and personal values should remain at the core of important life choices.

As AI continues to integrate into everyday life, students are navigating how to balance its capabilities with their own sense of responsibility and independence.

Would students Rather have Online Friends or Real life Friends?

In a world where digital connections are just a tap away, many students find themselves balancing between online friendships and real life relationships. As social media and gaming platforms grow, the line between virtual and in person friendships continues to blur for today’s generation.

Tanzina Rahman explains that she would much rather have meaningful friendships in real life than online.

“When you have a couple friends in real life where you can share experiences, make memories, bonds, and actually talk to it’s a different level of connection compared to friends online, which are more surface level,” Rahman said. To her, nothing beats the emotional depth of face-to-face interaction and the joy of shared experiences.

Sanjeev Baiju echoes this sentiment, saying real life friendships offer more lasting value.

“A real life friend group you can socialize and grow up with,” Baiju shared, emphasizing the importance of shared growth and physical presence.

Daniel Sookdeo also prefers in person friendships despite his support for social media.

“I would rather have one real friend, because even though I support social media, I’d rather be socializing with people in person,” said Sookdeo.

For many students, online friendships might be easier to form, but real life bonds continue to hold deeper emotional meaning and a stronger sense of connection.

It’s Not the Tool, It’s How You Use It

With technology still developing, so is how students engage with the world. From communicating on social media, depending on AI for assistance, and forming friendships online and in real life, students today are figuring out how to deal with the online and real worlds.

Although overuse and addiction are risks, most students view technology not as a source of distraction, but as a tool that, if managed properly, can be used to improve learning, connection, and development. In the end, it’s not the technology that’s the problem but rather how students use it that makes all the difference.