Andrew Brock, Jordan Cook, Logan Wentzlaff, and Alexandra Momot
An overwhelming majority of college students use social media to connect with others, which can have a positive impact on their social lives.
The Voices of Support event was a student-led initiative at Towson University, taking place in the Cook Library Lobby on Wednesday, April 30th. It was held to spread awareness about the various resources available on campus that help students build a fulfilling social life, supported by the Solutions Journalism Network Student Media Challenge.
The event featured several Mass Communication professors, as well as representatives from campus services, including the Cook Library and Academic Coaching Centers.
Rather than focusing on problems, the event highlighted solutions and provided a review of campus resources. Various groups spoke with students about the support available for their academic and personal lives.
Jordan Cook (R) and Logan Wentzlaff (L) interviewing Dr. Rauf Arif.
We focused on the theme of social media and its impact on students’ social lives. We examined how digital platforms can both enhance and compromise student well-being and relationships.
Students like Emily and Andrea, both juniors at Towson University, continue to adjust to campus life. A trend they have noticed is that connecting with other students at events and extracurricular activities is either very easy or incredibly difficult.
There are also students like freshman Namea Kalei, who is eagerly involved in several extracurricular programs at Towson University. “I moved here from Oregon, which is not a very diverse community,” Kalei shared. She expressed that she enjoys being here and learning the importance of diversity, as well as listening to all different cultures, languages, and ethical codes.
Through conversations, we found that using social media intentionally can help college students create meaningful connections, especially when they seek out others with shared experiences. By engaging with campus clubs and events, students can strengthen their online connections in real life and build a more supportive community.
Professor Arif left us with a powerful message: “I think there is one important aspect of social media that I always want my students to remember. Social media is neither inherently good nor inherently bad. It’s a very powerful, double-edged sword.”