PLZ HELP Students and Social Media
by R. Rodrigues

Humans have always made refinements to technologies to improve personal experience. They modify these technologies and add new features to make life simpler and easier. For example, the Internet is a great tool for sharing information and knowledge. The Internet has made the world a smaller place by connecting people and making communication easier and instant around the globe.
The invention of email has made communication easier, and the traditional method of sending letters has slowly been replaced. People have started using email to deliver messages because it is speedy and reliable. The invention of social networking sites has further simplified means of communication by helping people send messages and share their thoughts instantly with anyone across the globe. These sites also help individuals reconnect with people they have lost touch with. At the same time, improvements in technology have given rise to smartphone devices. The applications installed on these smartphone devices can now complete tasks like searching the web, accessing social media sites, and checking email in a matter of seconds.
The Internet and social media are wonderful tools when used for the right purposes. Some schools have started adopting social media sites as a tool to aid teachers in instruction. Social media can help students and teachers connect with each other. But it should be noted that integrating social media into studies can also lead to distractions. According to a study published in an online journal in 2016, 97% college students became distracted while using phones during class. Around 70% of these students used social media during class time. Most people would immediately assume that this distraction would negatively affect students' grades. However, the report does not show any direct relationship between the use of social media and the grades of students. Many research reports offer conflicting conclusions about how social media negatively affects students' grades.
No matter what research reports state, it is important that students and educators strike a balance between traditional methods of teaching and incorporating technology in studies. Social media has the power to educate minds, but it can also divert people's attention from important tasks.
How does the author develop the central idea that technology improves people's lives?
A.
by describing the various ways online tools are used
B.
by explaining the best ways to use social media
C.
by describing how phones are used in classrooms
D.
by explaining how the use of email is so popular