by Herman Bailey | May 28, 2023 | Essays |
Introduction
The discussion that has been ongoing for decades articulating the concept of knowledge and the information disseminated in learning institutions is not a concluded issue. Although most of the people accept that there is a distinction between the two, a majority do not agree upon the different questions that make the concepts different. While the schools come into creation with the aim of acquiring knowledge, it is an obvious fact that the latter does not influence the learner directly. Instead, it is dependent upon the information impacted into the individual to make sense of the knowledge gained. In my view, information is a very different realization because its effect on people is dissimilar and its value lies in the abilities of the receiver for it to become significant and classified as knowledge. Concisely, I can denote from my argument that knowledge is the practical application of information. This paper, therefore, discusses the disparity between the values of the two with the aim of asserting that knowledge is supreme to the common information received.
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Discussion
In my reflection, information denotes to broad or comprehensive data articulated or shown by numbers, sounds, images, words, and more. The fact is, particular instances elaborate this data while some do not. For example, an observed result or outcome of experimentation indicates unelaborated data, while the explanation of that experiment is an elaborated data. Briefly, the unelaborated finding best defines info, and the elaborated or discussed data highlights the essence of knowledge. Critical analysis will provide that different individuals will not apply the observation of that practice the same way (O’Hara 83). The reason is the interpretation of the result or observation will be deviating based on the personal knowledge gained from the experiment. One person may have the ability to interpret the outcome yet another person may not. It, therefore, means that without knowledge, the mere info obtained cannot be useful or impactful in both the learning and the working environments. Knowledge rivets and fastens personal experience; on the other hand, info is a shared concept that can just avail to anybody anywhere without leaving traces of an impactful experience. While people can transport, share and store information without many challenges or difficulties, the same cannot be conclusive about knowledge (Aristotle on… 33)
It is very imperative to note that information is freely accessible to anyone in all places around the globe. With the current society established in internet technology, it means that apart from going to school there is another free route to access information. The same way a person in the United States will reach and search the web for a particular subject is the way another individual in Sri Lanka for instance, will access the very information. However, the way it applies in the practical world is what makes the entirety of the difference to knowledge. It is agreeable that the specific information obtained from this web source will not cause the same impact on the two persons, the US citizen, and the Sri Lanka man. For example, if it was information about performing surgery, I doubt with the firm conviction that the performance of the duo will produce a similar outcome. Conclusively, once the information converts into knowledge, then it becomes useful to the applicant; that means, the worth of info totally attaches to the level of knowledge in an individual.
Ideally, the value of something often determine its worth; that is why knowledge is utmost to information because it is not free. Since info refers to raw data and merely listed facts, its accessibility is easy for people all over the world, and it depends on the interested persons to make use of their knowledge in interpretation. As illustrated priory, Google and other search engines will be at all times provide information free. Besides, many nations worldwide have embraced the idea of free education in public schools, and that means the number of people who access information has significantly increased to date. To be specific, knowledge is something else completely, and it is the gain of combining that free info with experience and analysis. The actions and practice towards particular info are the distillation products of knowledge, which cost people time and money to achieve real analysis. Converting information into useful ideas is elaborate and calls for maximum attention and vast experience. Without a proper understanding of a concept or a subject, it would be insignificant to claim that one is knowledgeable. It is the capacity or inability of an individual to make info useful that determines their value and level of knowledge. As in the previous discussion on the experimentation, a third party might get the results freely and have info on it, but for him to obtain the facts and familiarity about it, he must pay for it through the person who conducted the practical.
It is an accepted opinion that knowledge is the concise assortment of info that makes it useful and impactful in all setups. Logically, knowledge is the verifying process that will ascertain explicit patterns in a particular set of information. For instance, memorizing information about something establishes that a person has knowledge of it. Knowledge makes information useful and applicable, although, it does not provide for incorporation such as further knowledge would deduce. A good example is that of schooling kids who have memorized the multiplication table and it would be easier for them to integrate the information in memory in solving complicated multiplication sums. If they memorized a pattern of addressing simpler multiples, then that pattern would guide them in finding solutions to complex mathematical problems in the same area. Assuredly, the information on the tables becomes impactful once the kids find its practical application in further problems (Dreyfus 43)
In the past years, theorists in various organizations used to refer both info and knowledge as ‘information’. They did not understand the essence of separating the two ideas because to them it meant all the same. Their notion continued for decades until the need for knowledge management erupted, and their opinion started shifting towards encompassing both concepts like ‘knowledge’. Conversely, that would mean acquiring information alone is not equivalent to being knowledgeable about it. In the contemporary management of organizational issues, the concepts are innately divergent, and in my opinion, they can no longer be defined as similar. The process of decision-making in the workplace again can illustrate the mutual exclusivity of the concepts. Since organizational matters are weighty and require comprehensive analysis before execution happens, it means to experience and knowledge are necessary for this case. Mere information cannot provide direction to substantial issues; it can only offer a hint to further investigation or study, which ultimately produces a better understanding to matter in question.
As well, the workplace environment provides an equal opportunity to access information for all workers on the same level. Nevertheless, the info distributed by management will not receive similar interpretation, analysis, and application by employees in most circumstances except where orientation about the info plays a part. If that happens, it means knowledge concerning the precise issue varies with respective staffs in the management; therefore, there is a need for constant training and awareness creation. Such opportunities for influencing knowledge will encourage and develop the workforce to have an analogous absorption of information disseminated by the office. As such, the decision-making will always be uniform and sound enough for proper implementation of strategies and vision. Additionally, the relevance of knowledge appears again when comparing the performance of workers in an organization. Considering that all employees on the same level went to school and acquired information about their work, yet, they cannot perform equally and produce a uniform outcome. It, therefore, means information given to them is just a mere tool, and it requires personal knowledge to bring it into usefulness (Dreyfus 53).
Conclusion
On the losing end, experience and knowledge are the key drivers in making crucial decisions (White 67). Ideally, it means just having information about a particular issue is not enough reason to decide. Considering the interpretation of a map, the knowledge of a person integrates the info provided, and that leads to decision making. What’s more, it is genuinely acceptable as demonstrated in the discussions that knowledge is entirely different from mere information, and it is the most valuable item in the entirety of the two concepts. The school education might give us the information necessary for our intellectual development, but with limited experience or knowledge, it would be challenging to make good use of that info. As such, knowledge is the pillar to effective decision-making and sound interpretation of results. In my summary, I would assert that information and knowledge are entirely different conceptions that work together for the successful implementation of ideas.
Works Cited
Aristotle on Knowledge. Pasadena, Calif: INTELECOM, 1998. Internet resource.
Dreyfus Tommy. Transformation of Knowledge Through Classroom Interaction. London: Routledge, 2009. Print.
O’Hara, Fred. Knowledge Discovery, Knowledge Engineering and Knowledge Management: 4th International Joint Conference, Ic3k 2012, Barcelona, Spain, October 4-7, 2012, Revised Selected Papers. , 2013. Internet resource.
Tang, Jie, Mingcai Hong, Duo L. Zhang, and Juanzi L. Li. “Information Extraction.” (2008). Print.
White, D A, and Y M. Sutton. “‘knowledge Management’.” (2002). Print.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | May 28, 2023 | Essays |
Personal statement on Enterprise and project management
Enterprise and project management is one of the dynamic fields because it supports the strategic directions of companies in implementing technologies which are helpful in increasing employee productivity, reducing costs and streamlining communications with the clients. My desire for this field has grown over the years as much as I have been in the architectural field. In my view, Enterprise and project management is the most challenging and interesting course anyone interested in becoming a project manager must undergo. I adore Enterprise and project management as it involves high level of creativity and innovation in regard to leading other field engineers and strategically managing projects to be successful. My zeal for Enterprise and project management was influenced by my life in the city of Shiraz, Iran and my father. Since childhood, I was fascinated by my father’s vast knowledge in architecture and his engineering works, and in most cases he let me assist him. As a result of this great experience, I developed desires to learn design and structural things. Initially, I was into architecture before my bachelor degree but my interest shifted to Enterprise and project management as a result of the extensive experience I got in the field thus would like to explore it more in depth.
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During my time living in the city of Tehran, I witnessed the high degree of expansion of the city, and this made me appreciate the wonderful architectural knowledge and structure of buildings in the city. Numerous individuals have obtained their post-secondary architectural education from UCL University and became great professionals with new and innovative ideas widely accepted and appreciated in Iran. Likewise, the UCL University has promoted energy saving techniques globally, and this led to my decision to study at the institution as energy saving and sustainability is important. Having studied sciences and mathematics in secondary school, I felt that I had a solid engineering foundation. Especially, geometry that was my favorite topic followed a design course that shaped my drawing and design talent.
Working with my father- project manager- and my brother who is an architect over three summers and Christmas holidays provided me with an opportunity to gain professional experience, knowledge of challenges associated with designing, management and constructions and criteria for handling them. I did assist my father to design and manage the construction of three buildings in Tehran. I also designed an apartment in Tehran and assisted my father manage its construction. The experience made me realize that I would be competent in construction and projected management as I had earlier on discovered during my bachelor study that I was talented in practical part of architecture and had terrific managerial skills judging from my experience as a group leader. Therefore, my passion and extensive background as well as experience in construction and project management have motivated me to pursue and specialize in construction and project management.
My journey in enterprise and project management has been shaped by my passion for creativity, innovation, and strategic leadership. Growing up in Shiraz, Iran, I was inspired by my father’s knowledge in architecture and engineering, which fueled my desire to learn about design and structural aspects. Witnessing the expansion of Tehran and the remarkable architectural developments further deepened my appreciation for the field. Studying at UCL University, known for its global promotion of energy-saving techniques and sustainability, aligned with my interest in creating environmentally conscious solutions. Working alongside my father, a project manager, and my architect brother, I gained valuable professional experience and learned to navigate the challenges associated with design, management, and construction. This hands-on experience confirmed my competence and passion for construction and project management. With a solid engineering foundation, strong design skills, and a natural inclination for leadership, I am motivated to specialize in this dynamic and rewarding field.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | May 28, 2023 | Essays |
The article criticizes the educational achievement gap and terms it a social injustice regarding Catholics’ teaching that emphasizes the need to focus on human welfare and human dignity. The education achievement gap is against the common good as it leaves people economically and socially marginalized hindering them from fully participating in societal social activities as well as exploring their full potentials to meet their material needs through work. Poor education structure that promotes divisions across socioeconomic and racial divide together with inappropriate teacher practices has been pointed out as the major influential factors in perpetuating this vice. The article presents integrated continuous measures taken by Dayton Early College Academy in curbing the social injustice of the education achievement gap through modification and refinement of institution schools and teacher preparation programs.
The strategies employed by Dayton Early College Academy in eliminating the social injustice of the educational achievement gap incorporate the Cultural Proficiency Model as it is continuous and evolves over a long period of time since the strategy involves gradual of core values and behavior change to teacher candidates and consequently future teachers still in school. For instance, the strategies aimed at ensuring students receive equal quality education countrywide are just as dictated by the model as it includes principles of equal access to service delivery without discrimination. The establishment of a clinical rounds model that provides teachers with a platform to share their teaching experiences and learn from one another reciprocates the transfer of knowledge and skills among colleagues and partners advocated in the Cultural Proficiency Model. The structural modification of the education system incorporates cultural knowledge through readings and exposure to different cultural environments facilitated by environmental fieldwork assignments as described by Collopy, Connie & Taylor (2012).
The educational achievement gap is indeed a social injustice as it is against positive human development. One of the factors determining an individual’s socioeconomic status is the level of education since family income depends on college attainment as well as grades as illustrated by Collopy, Connie & Taylor (2012). Therefore, the educational achievement gap prevents people from fully exploiting their capabilities and abilities and entirely participate in the societal social, political, and economic activities for their own benefit and growth as well as the development of the communities consequently widening the socioeconomic rift.
The vice is being cultivated and encouraged by deep routed inner negative assumptions that delineate and discriminate students along with racial and socioeconomic classes together, in turn, contributes to the provision of low-quality education to minority students together with inappropriate education curriculum. Therefore, the approach established by Dayton Early College Academy in stemming the vice that focuses on gradually and systematically eradicating its root causes by concentrating on transforming the institutional school programs to accommodate cultural diversity through reading and field experiences and by mobilizing candidate teachers to focus on bringing out the best in every student without discrimination and promotion of sharing of teaching experience as well as learning from one another is effective and ought to be adopted across the country as their efforts have had a positive impact as indicated by Collopy, Connie & Taylor (2012).
In conclusion, the educational achievement gap is a social injustice that hinders individuals from fully exploiting their potential and participating in societal activities for their own benefit and the development of their communities. Dayton Early College Academy has effectively implemented strategies that focus on transforming the institutional school programs to accommodate cultural diversity, promoting sharing of teaching experience, and learning from one another. These efforts have had a positive impact in curbing the social injustice of the education achievement gap, and such strategies should be adopted across the country. By doing so, we can create an equitable education system that promotes human dignity and welfare, which aligns with the teachings of the Catholic Church. It is time for all stakeholders in the education sector to come together and work towards eliminating the educational achievement gap as a social injustice.
Reference
Collopy, R., Connie, B., & David, A. Taylor. (2012). “The Educational Achievement Gap as a Social Justice Issue for Teacher Educators.” Catholic Education: A Journal of Inquiry and Practices. Print.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | May 27, 2023 | Essays |
The book of Hirschman of “The Passions and the Interests” provides out a little record of the capitalism idea by bringing out an argument that is impressive to the protestant concepts of Weber. Hirschman (1977p, 130) pointed out that capitalism activities became suggested among the educated and the upper class people not because their activities for earning cash were accepted, but because they were considered to be beneficial. That is, they kept the involved men out of strike, violence and issues. However, it had the advantages particularly of creating limitations on the princely caprice, foreign policies that were adventurous and irrelevant countries. The book of the Passions and The Interests by Hirschman seemed to be interested on how the concepts and over described statements were being used in the government and political conversations. The work done by Hirschman antagonized well known and popular idea of max Weber that capitalism sprouted due to the Calvinistic salvation search. Contrary to that, Hirschman (1977) suggested that the educated class and the key thinkers recognized capitalism s a mechanism through which violence and aggressive propensities in the communities and men could be domesticated through expansion of the commercial activities. The aspect that the statements developed by David Steuart, Montesquieu did not develop in their way that was expected does not vitiate the value of their arguments or over described statements. The important dissertation of Hirschman was that the crucial aspect that legitimizes pre-capitalist and capitalists action was the requirements that individuals would be saved the enthusiastic activities and the conventional incidents, especially in the wish for glory and respect and its worker strike. However, the obvious paradox is when one creates an assessment of the lively interpretation of making profits, with the results that are serious and acquainted to all the sociologists. Furthermore, it is not that the complete capitalism frustrated, but it did of course. However, Hirschman (1977) was able to show effectively that the primary critique of latest capitalism, which is the esthetic/moral one, which focuses on dimensionally the other repressive one, was actually anticipated in concepts of the lovers of commerce in 1700s. Actually, they suggested taking a place in the character aspect, because their overall looks were seemed to be risky.
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Capitalism is an image kind of a system because capitalism has become like the water we take, air breathe, like alcohol and the need for cash. In common, individuals think capitalism is the societal natural order of things (Meadows & Wright, 2008; Norman, 2002)). Researchers suggested that the record of capitalism is comprehensive beginning at around Fourteenth and Seventeenth centuries. Capitalism emerged within the feudal communities and was recognized with violence, strike, pain, distorting of the existing community relationships with the development of the new classes in society, which includes the working classes, and the oppression of people in factories. With the intensification of the market sections, the exploitation and development of the consumer products, the global market became limited. Consequently, the capitalism products are developed to keep individuals atomized. All the projects were separated up into the component elements, and the time of employees managed continually (Meadows & Wright, 2008). This has been ongoing until lately when by use of a computers at the work places supervised everything. Norman (2002) described that capitalism is a system because it needs a primary power for synchronization and for decision making. Without the program, the necessary manufacturing infrastructures like the railways, streets, tracks would not have been developed. Different designs used by companies did various duties for the capitalism system. For example, Norman (2002) described that the elements of the state helps in the management of the contradiction of the capitalists between competitors and monopoly. It also protects the development and production methods, through development and violence. In conclusion, capitalism is the system where we are in, and has not been successful in meeting the needs of most people. In the system of capitalism, minority of people control and manage all the sources and cash globally. They have gathered power and success and control their cash and factories to keep wages low and their income high.
The procedure by which an organization or organization settle on a decision is very complicated just like the way customer arrives at their decisions. In making important decisions, an organization relies on the microeconomic details. These could either mean success or the failure of the organization. According to Silbiger (1993), companies need to balance the important need and the purpose of companies in making profits, counter the procedure of handling many individuals. Silbiger (1993) offered the idea and reasoning behind ethical management in companies. Principles of an organization provide the system for different work concepts, companies and business, which improve the organization and individual primary issues far beyond the conventional objectives of making profits for benefiting the investors. Business decisions developed by companies should follow the ethical concepts. Management of business and individuals of the organization should be prioritized, and this also includes involving the organization in the corporate social responsibilities and community obligations.
In the book of the Art of Negotiation, the best substitute to the conventional styles or methods to negotiations have been presented. The conventional styles of negotiation that have been in existence for long include the “win-win” approach, and the “hard bargaining approach” (Michael, 2013). The “one-size-fits-all” approach of negotiation that is very impressive was offered by Michael (2013). The style has methods that make arbitrators be successful in a dilemma of issues and problems. They perform under versatile techniques and have the understanding of the negotiation process, influence, adjust and comprehend. This makes the arbitrators or the negotiators achieve agreements easily while others would be still kept in tedious negotiations.
Fisher & Patton (1991), however, offered another style of negotiation in his book known as “principled negotiation” approach. In adopting this approach during the process of negotiations, accepted alternatives are gotten by identifying the needs that are set, and the needs that are versatile for the arbitrators. This approach is based on five important propositions, that is: separating the people from the problem, working on the interest and not roles, options research for the common gain, use purposive objectives and lastly understanding the best substitute to the agreement described. In contrasting and comparing the styles of “principled conversation ” and the approach of “one-size-fits-all,” one is able to know that the principled approach of negotiation are mostly used in the non adversarial negotiations. This is useful if it is used or used in educational institutions to allow the learners, panel conferences, committees among others. On the other aspect, “one-size-fits-all” negotiation style is used in resolutions of conflicts, negotiations between companies.
References
Fisher, R., Ury, W., & Patton, B. (1991). Getting to yes: Negotiating agreement without giving in. New York, N.Y: Penguin Books.
Hirschman, A. O. (1977). The passions and the interests: Political arguments for capitalism before its triumph. Princeton, N.J: Princeton University Press.
Meadows, D. H., & Wright, D. (2008). Thinking in systems: A primer. White River Junction, Vt: Chelsea Green Pub.
Michael, W. (2013). The Art of Negotiation: How to Improvise Agreement in a Chaotic World. Cambridge, Mass: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.
Norman, D. A. (2002). The Design of everyday things. New York: Basic Books.
Silbiger, S. (1993). The ten-day MBA. New York: W. Morrow.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | May 27, 2023 | Essays |
Task 2
The poster reports on the investigative techniques used in the separation of the soluble solute in a solvent. In this experiment, the solute is salt, and the solvent is water. The techniques used include evaporation, distillation, and crystallization.
Techniques used in the investigation
1. Evaporation
Evaporation is a process where the liquid is converted to vapor to separate it from a dissolved solid or from a liquid that is higher in boiling point in experiments or investigations on how to separate soluble solid in liquids (Holland, 2005). The evaporation technique was chosen for the experiment because it is easy and simple to execute compared to other methods of separation such as distillation.
2. Distillation
Distillation is an investigative technique used in the separation of mixtures based on conditional and differences required to change the phases of the component of the mixture. It can be applied in a mixture of liquids, and the mixture of soluble solutes and solvents like in this experiment. During the distillation process, the water is heated into the gas phase of the vapor leaving the salts deposits, then condenses back into liquid form that is then collected. The process is then repeated to improve the water purity (Porteous, 2010). This method was obtained because pure water can be obtained
3. Crystallization
This technique is a process of solid crystals formation from a solution. This technique separates solids and liquids in which transfer of a solute from a solution to a solid crystalline which pure occurs (Jones, 2002). This method was chosen because pure solutes can be obtained
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Modifications made and justification for the changes
1. In evaporation, I applied some heat from flames to the containers holding a solution of water and salt. I applied the heat to increase the rate of evaporation instead of leaving it open in the air and under the slow sunshine
2. I used ice in the condenser to condense the maximum amount of vapor. Moreover, I re-distilled the condensed water to get maximum dissolved salts again
3. In crystallization, I left the crystallization process to proceed slowly undisturbed instead of fast cooling. This was to prevent impurities from getting attached to the salts and also to get bigger crystals
Ways to ensure the accuracy
To ensure accuracy, I ensured that the same amount of solvent and solution was used in the three experiments. Moreover, an equal amount of time was applied to all the experiments to get accurate results. Lastly, I ensured that the salts and the water had no impurities that could affect their boiling points
Ways to ensure reliability
Reliability in the techniques was determined by the experiments producing consistent results. To ensure reliability, I started with the evaporation method which the results were salt and water, distillation and crystallization also produced consistent results of salt and water.
Ways to ensure validity
Validity indicates the extent to which the applied technique in the separation process separated the components it was intended to separate. To ensure validity, I ensured that salt and water, which were the components of the solution that was to be separated were the end products.
Task 3
a) Evaluation of the investigative techniques used
Evaporation
The process requires a lot of heat energy which might be expensive. However, solar heat is slow and evaporates small quantities of the solution. The method is suitable in situations where salt is the only product needed. However, the collection of water vapor is difficult
Distillation
The distillation process desalinates water removes dangerous heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, and lead, and the soluble salts that harden the water such as magnesium, calcium, and phosphorous. Therefore, it is preferable for the distillation of drinking water. However, this process is ineffective in the separation of soluble salts that has lower boiling points than water such as synthetic chemicals, chlorine solutions, herbicides, and pesticides (Porteous, 2010). Moreover, it requires a large source of heat which is costly. Lastly, the distillation process strips water its natural trace elements; hence the hydrogen composition in water increases and makes the water acidic (Porteous, 2010).
Crystallization
The process is complex compared to the evaporation method. It is also unsuitable where water is to be collected as an end product. However, it is advantageous since pure salts can be obtained for usage (Jones, 2002).
b) Suggestions of possible improvements
Alternative sources of heat could be used such as the use of solar energy to reduce high costs incurred in the evaporation and distillation process. Even though solar energy cannot produce the high amount of energy needed to heat a large amount of the solution for a longer duration of time, it is the best cost-wise.
Given that some dissolved salts have lower boiling points than the water hence difficult to separate them from water, the boiling point of water can be lowered by lowering the gas pressure above the liquid.
The distillation process strips water its natural trace elements, hence making water be acidic due to the increased proportion of hydrogen. To avoid water being acidic, beneficial salts can be added to the water for human consumption such as calcium that is good information for bones.
References
Holland, C. D. (2005). Fundamentals and modeling of separation processes: absorption, distillation, evaporation, and extraction. Englewood Cliffs, N.J: Prentice-Hall.
Jones, A. G. (2002). Crystallization process systems. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.
Porteous, A. (2010). Saline water distillation processes. London: Longman.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | May 27, 2023 | Essays |
Introduction
Since the emergence of social media in the current millennium, According to Feinstein et al (2015, p.4), there has been a significant concern raised on the impact it has on the wellbeing of the younger generation. There has been a considerable evidence on the rising rate of mental health problems in the younger generation predominantly in young women. This evidence connects the increase in the mental health cases with social media. This research explores the connection between mental health and social media, as it gives u the information that we currently know as well as identifying the research questions that is still unanswered.
Social media is defined as an electronic communication platform through which an online community is created via a user with the aim of sharing ideas, videos, experiences and personal messages (Mehta 2018, p. 3). The common social media sites include Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. According to Parks (2017, p.5), the attractiveness of instant messaging services on the social media platform led to the emergence of the platform such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Snapchat. With the group in technology, it has been cumbersome to distinguish different digital services for messaging that is available. This research will focus on mental welfare in a broader perspective, however, it will not be limited to study into specific conditions due to the fact that many researchers in this area have adopted a wide definition of mental health.
Literature review
There has always been ambiguity in the presentation of various studies that link social media effects on mental health. For instance, according to Shawmindfoundation.org. (2018, p.10) the 2017 press release by the American Association of suicidology appeared to be in shock with the impact of all forms of social media have on mental health mostly for young people. This statement is also supported by the research done by the royal society for public health wherein the findings after sampling a large sample it was evident that there was a connection between the social media use and mental health issues (Moreno & Radovic 2018, p.31). However, according to Mehta (2018, p.23) this research faced many criticisms by some scholars for its inconsistent result which was to some extent appeared to be exaggerated, its rudimentary design and the fact that it was easy for the participants to guess the hypothesis in the study and respond accordingly, hence causing forged outcome.
According to the report by the American Academy of Pediatrics linked the users of social media mostly Facebook to depression after using the media for a long period of time, however, the research was termed as erroneous by the scholars as it relied on erroneous primary source (Walrave et al 2016. P.48). In addition to this, the scholar whose work the association relied on disowned the idea of using her report in linking it to social media depression.
The result of individual studies conducted on social media impact on mental health has had mixed results. Though according to the public domain the effects of social media suggests that mere exposure is related to mental health issues, the reliable evident puts more focus on the quality rather than the quantity that makes the social media use critical (Shawmindfoundation.org 2018, p.59). For example, research specifies that one mechanism is the use of social media for the social evaluation with negativity as well as meditation leads to depression. Contrary to this the positive use of social media has been linked to the positive well-being of users by various studies. This, therefore, narrows down to how a user uses the social media as the repercussions can go either way.
On one hand, the previous evidence implies rumination echoes psychopathology, while validity is considered to be a positive quality. Considering this, according to Parks (2017, p.39) the phenomenon which has received minimal attention in the research’s vaguebooking, this refers to a post in social media which contain a vague information and whose creator intended to solicit attention and concern from readers. With this in mind vaguebooking can be both absences of authentic self-presentation and rumination, therefore it is possible to associate it with a mental case in terms of social media use (Parks 2017, p.39).
Methods
The quantitative research method was used to conduct the study. According to Matthews and Ross (2014, p.51) this method involves dealing with numerical and measurable phenomena and their relationship and the fact that it is used to give answers to the questions on relationship that is within a measurable variable with a purpose to give explanation, prediction or control makes it perfect research method for the study. The study commenced with data collection that is rooted in the hypothesis and existing theory on the subject and it will, therefore, be followed by the application of inferential as well as descriptive statistics.
The strength of this method is that every step in the method is standardized therefore it eliminates bias, in addition to this, the fact that the method involves a large number of participants its results are usually reliable, valid and hence can be used to make a generalization of a larger population. On the flip side, the major drawback of the quantitative method is that it is prone to errors for instance in cases of mistake in doing the measurement or even a sampling technique which is flawed Ross (2014, p.52).
Data analysis
The sample used comprised of 16 respondents mostly the millennial who are prone and more familiar to the social media. All the participants were valid and met the threshold set to participate in the study and all the questions in the questionnaire were filled making the percentage number of valid participants to be 100%. Among the participant 5 were females while the rest 10 were male and 1 did not answer the demographic question on their gender. The participant was not questioned on their race as it was not relevant for the study.
The participants willingly reported their demographic details including the name and occupation as well as the time they spend on social media. The questionnaire had twenty questions with some of the questions evaluated the vaguebooking behaviour amongst the participants, this was tested by a post on social media as a sample the post was the type that would prompt a friend to be a concern and tend to inquire about what’s going on. On the account of this sample, this scale had adequate reliability.
On the usage of social media, the majority of the participants agreed on enjoying sharing information on social media at 56.3%, with a majority of over 70% of the participants thought it was good for a free speech on social media be.
The questionnaire also had questions which highlighted on the participants respond towards the comments on social media. This aspect was important to assess because it evaluated the magnitude by which social media can trigger a reaction which might be linked to mental health issues. The level of anxiety that a post or a comment of uncertain news trigger on social media is usually high and it recorded 87.5%. The 87.5% of the participants admitted to going further and opening the post in the cases of uncertainty news or information on social media
The duration of time spent on social media was also evaluated by a single question through which the participants were required to estimate averagely the time they spend on the social media platforms.
To assess the emotional connection that the participant had with the social media, the social media use integration scale was used whereby the participants were given to fill. The emotional connection was evaluated by three items which assessed the participant’s value of social media in their lives.
The mental health symptoms were assessed through a general question on mental health while other questions indirectly touched on three dimensions of distress: anxiety, somatization and depression. Majority of the participants agreed that social media influences the mental health with 37.5% of the participants strongly agree with the social media has an influence on the mental health.in addition to this, 75% of the responded agreed that social media is an important factor that leads to depression. Cyberbullying has been a key element in social media which contributes to mental health. 50% of the participants agreed to be upset and having insomnia due to cyberbullying hence the occurrence of mental issues.
For the outcome of the total mental health symptoms, suicidal thought, social anxiety and loneliness, isolated regression analysis were run. Most of the analysis run was carried out with hierarchical multiple regression using pairwise deletion for the data which was missing. The first step involved entering of demographic data which included gender, age, time spends with family, and the second step involved entering the social desirability and social support while the third one included social media importance, vaguebooking and social media variable of time online. Due to the fact that suicidal feelings distribution was not normal similar analysis were run by the use of Poisson regression.
Discussion and recommendation
The idea of social media being a link to mental health problems still remain to be a topic of contention. The study observed several characteristics of social media use among the young adults and their connection with various mental health issues like suicidal thoughts, social anxiety, and loneliness among other mental health problems. The results of the study indicated that the overall use of social media is a poor analyst of mental health issues. Alarms about social media hastening a mental health crisis may be unjustified. However, it’s clear that some aspect of social media use may act as a ‘cry for help’ among people with preexisting mental health problems.
Social media is a double-edged sword that cuts both ends. Cyberbullying remains to be the most dangerous tool that leads to depression in social media and other mental health issues. Considering the fact that every user on social media shares that which is a fabrication of their real selves with majority publishing that they dime fit for the public. Cyberbullying can make social media users turn suicidal as it exposes the truth or lies that subjects the users into moments of embarrassment to both the friends, colleagues and family and is prone to making users turn suicidal.
This research is consistent with the previous research done by several scholars among them was research conducted by Davila J on Facebook depression which suggested the fact that how people use social media is paramount than the time they spend online. Other scholars identify vaguebooking to the negative use of social media which was prone to cause more mental health problems.
Social media has got all the characteristics of reducing the mental problems. It was created with the aim of narrowing geographical boundary and bringing people together, enabling people to share their experiences and stories. All these elements in social media are tools that can be used to reduce the rate of mental problems. However, the negativity in the social media is a major catalyst and ingredient for mental health problems. Based on the findings in this study, social media provides individuals with a choice of consuming the positive content as well as the negative content. It’s upon the users to determine the content that will keep them off social media. The level of anxiety created by the users in social media through vaguebooking is also avoidable. The power of the user to shut the negative content is just a click away.
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