Today the Student Union at Bournemouth University in the UK discusses whether to ban Facebook and Twitter use from its computer labs. Initiated by complaints by students who are prevented from schoolwork due to other students' hogging the computers for social networking, the frustrated are asking to ban them from the labs. Apparently social mores have changed and the polite notices on computers are not enough to deter students and give up their seat to another.
I recall the sheepish looks on some students, glancing over their shoulders as we waited in line to use the computers, knowing that we could see their chat boxes pop up and color with each message. I myself was enthralled to chat with friends in universities sprawling the country. However as university academia post course-related information via social networks, rather than through group email lists, banning its use altogether is like prohibiting alcohol after everyone's already been drinking it. Can a social network actually be banned from a university campus, the richest social and learning environment of all?
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