As discussed throughout the course so far, PLNs can help us grow our knowledge and extend our sources of knowledge. Simultaneously, algorithms that provide us with content similar to what we voluntarily search online can make us only exposed to things we are already familiar with and impede our ability to learn new things or reach people in different fields or with different views. Hence, in that sense, PLNs can help or hinder the development of our ideas and thoughts, including in the education discourse.

Nowadays, educators frequently rely on social media to teach as students can reach so much more information on it compared to, say, a single textbook or a single educator. They often give introductions and basic information concerning a topic and guide their students in their online research of it. Students are able to engage with other people online with similar or differing views on the subject, and bring back gained knowledge to the classroom where it can be shared with the educator and other students, subsequently promoting more intellectual growth. However, it is important to stress that educators should guide their students’ engagement with the subjects online to ensure they do not all prey to misinformation, disinformation or literal scams and other dangerous happenings. Some social media platforms that are beneficial to education are Youtube, LinkedIn, Indeed, and even Instagram when used for this purpose. In reality, any social media platform can be beneficial to education as long as it is used for that purpose in mind.

When working with a vulnerable sector, social media is an appropriate media for people educators and learners to approach sensitive subjects in a more casual — and perhaps friendly and personal way. For some, this is a more efficient and less daunting way of teaching and learning about such subjects.