Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter have greatly advanced instant communication, but have also sparked controversy. Critics continue to attack Facebook’s negative influence on education and teenage morals, yet there still has been no conclusive evidence of this insinuation.

Technology has made multiple advancements in recent generations, despite being constantly flouted as an assault on traditional values. An example of this is the presumption that television has attributed to violence in society.

In 2007, Canadian Professor Richard Tremblay conducted a long study on violence in youth and found little correlation between television and individuals who become more aggressive.

Similarly, critics of Facebook have blamed the site for attributing to a decrease in students’ grades. A study by Ohio State University seemingly confirmed that those with higher Facebook usage were more likely to have lower grades than those with less usage.

Even if these statistics were correct, they would still fail to adequately answer the issue. Even if those who used Facebook did have lower grades, the study does not prove that the site was the cause of this. Perhaps those who care less about their grades are more likely to waste their time on the Internet or, more specifically, on social networks.

Furthermore, a different study by Northwestern University found no connection between students who spent time on Facebook and their grades compared to those who did not. Even with no proof, lawmakers consistently attempt to regulate social networks with the intent of protecting a nonexistent threat on traditional values.

Multiple groups have used Facebook and other social networking sites to further personal views. Many politicians, such as Sarah Palin, use their Facebook accounts to rally supporters. Even some churches have taken advantage of social networking to further their ministries.

Although there may be students whose education deteriorates due to extensive use of social networks, such is an instance of an individual vice, instead of an overarching characteristic of these networks.

Technology is merely an apparatus that can be either beneficial or harmful, depending on its user. Instead of blaming technology or inanimate objects as the source of societal problems, the focus should be on taking accountability for individual choices.

For more columns, read the Feb. 23 article, Journalism hones junior’s skills, redefines individuality.

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