Students facing their board exams have a new burden to tackle: social media.
The popularity of Facebook, Whatsapp and Instagram and the smartphone revolution has seen more teenagers take to social networking. “What was meant for communication is now an addiction,” feels Prince Gajendrababu, general secretary of the State platform for the Common School System.
Many students are all too willing to give up social networking for now. “WhatsApp is the worst because you’re always checking messages,” adds Pavithra Yamurugan of Good Shepherd.
However, others believe that apps can help in preparation. “On Facebook chats, we compare notes about difficult chapters,” says Mithila Iyer, a student at Lady Andal.” “My friend sent me important notes for an exam on WhatsApp which was of immense help,” says Anirudh Bhaskanan of D.A.V.
Striking a balance is what is essential, according to Nirica Srinivasan of Sishya, “It’s possible to get distracted even without social media,” she says, “Ultimately, it comes down to how much self control you have.”