CorpComms Magazine

Social media is as important for young people to stay in touch with friends as it is for their school and career possibilities, according to a new study.

Eight out of ten high school and college students in America said that social media was great for interacting with other students, while 70 per cent find it is equally useful for research on school projects and homework. But almost three quarters admit that they use social networking as a form of distraction.

The AP-Viacom Survey of Youth on Education, which polled more than 1,000 Americans aged between 18 and 24 years old, found that 62 per cent of those in employment use the Internet to interact with colleagues, while nine in ten view social media as a tool to keep in contact with friends and family.

Students ranked the Internet as having the greatest influence on their studies and general education, but newspapers ranked as one of the lowest contributors, alongside radio and magazines.

The poll showed that the most common way to take notes in the classroom is no longer the traditional pen and paper, but using a laptop. Even iPhones and video cameras are being used.

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