By Fr Bento D’Souza for BIS Mumbai

A session on “The Usefulness and Impact of Social Media” was organized by Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra (BGVK) on November 1, 2025 at the BGVK Training Hall, Kedgaon, Ahmednagar. The session was conducted for 25 teachers from the Remedial Education and Development Project active in 25 villages of Ahmednagar. It aimed to create awareness among teachers about the growing influence of social media on modern life and its effects on communication, relationships, and mental health. The primary objective was to help teachers reflect on their own social media habits and to enable them to guide students toward the responsible and balanced use of digital platforms for personal growth and meaningful connection.

The session commenced with the screening of a series of impactful and thought-provoking videos that highlighted both the positive and negative dimensions of social media. These visuals demonstrated how platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook have become integral to everyday life, enabling creativity, learning, and global connectivity. At the same time, they revealed the challenges posed by excessive usage, including emotional isolation, reduced face-to-face interaction, and the pressure to maintain an idealized online persona. Participants observed how people often spend more time on their phones than engaging in real conversations, leading to the gradual loss of authentic human connection.

The teachers were divided into smaller groups to discuss their observations and identify three key learnings from the session. Through active participation and teamwork, they explored both the benefits and drawbacks of social media. Many participants expressed that while these platforms promote self-expression, awareness, and networking, they can also lead to distraction, comparison, and anxiety when used without discipline. The group activity encouraged reflection and collaboration, allowing teachers to share personal experiences and develop a deeper understanding of mindful digital behavior.

Facilitators from Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra, Kedgaon also shared their perspectives on the issue, emphasizing the adverse effects of excessive mobile phone use on concentration, productivity, and mental well-being. They stressed the importance of self-control, digital discipline, and nurturing real human relationships alongside online interactions.

In conclusion, the session proved to be a valuable and enlightening experience for all participants. It successfully inspired teachers to assess their digital habits and reinforced the message that social media, when used responsibly, can be a powerful tool for learning, creativity, and communication.