Third Party Student Perspective Update

     In an academic context, it is understood that to utilize a complete perspective one must consider a third party with similar objectivity. As applied to this blog’s recurring student perspective updates, this post is an analysis of the essay, Morality and Ethics Behind the Screen: Young People’s Perspectives on Digital Life, by Flores and James. This collaboration between education professors from Harvard University and Brown University is on a qualitative study they conducted in 2012 which attempted to, “explore targets and triggers, observe ethical lapses, and consider practical implications of student life,” on social media platforms. Their focus was on three prevalent ways of thinking displayed by all interviewed students: Individualistic, Moral, and Ethical (as related to Kohlberg’s Moral Development Theory). Their data and conclusion that, “ While teens and young adults approach life online with their own interests foremost, the prevalence of moral thinking is notable,” are a significant source for the SMLP.

      The conclusion’s primary message relays a call for more research to be conducted on the subject of young people using social media. That’s a pleasant thought because the only difference between it and the SMLP’s perspective is that “young people” is replaced with “student.” All their data and qualitative analysis reports a situation where Social Media users, “showed ethical thinking capacity but lacked consistency.” Clearly there is an incentive for educators to promote positive targets and triggers while discouraging negative ethical lapses.

      Where Flores and James’ research can progress along with the SMLP has potential a long a number of paths. For instance, their method of engaging with students could be applied to a much larger population size by becoming involved in the student-teacher relationship. The sample questions made available within the essay’s appendix are an outline for other educators to assess their students and share information. With more of an SMLP influence, the research may be practically applied to the recently posted intervention points where positive and negative incentives can be pursued.

      For the students themselves, this means being much more aware of the academic aspect of their life. The SMLP up to this point has gotten the impression that students and teachers do not want their relationship to have “more” of an influence over their lives, which is kind of sad in some way, but pragmatically speaking it implies the current interactions must become more efficient. Those who are working to adapt within the evolving education environment realize that becoming more efficient is essential to having a system where equity, collaboration, and innovation can thrive. Naturally, research from those who share that perspective will be mutually beneficial as an intellectual resource.


Thank you, Flores and James.


Note: Below, in the comment section, please share any additional material that you think should be considered if the SMLP is to view Social Media with an academic perspective. The more sources we share, the more established this discipline will become.