Social media platforms: New texts for the English curriculum?

Social media is an important element of nearly every young person's life. Not only are social media platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook integral to maintaining and extending social relationships, but they provide opportunities to experiment with identities; discover information; learn, engage with civic and political life; and generally make sense of growing up. Using social media invokes a wide range of social, ethical and technological issues. In this article, I explore some of these issues and consider how teachers can help students navigate social media platforms and critically reflect on issues they may face on a daily basis.