Twitter, 2023, twitter.com/nbsalert/status/1285490809530273792. Accessed 5 May 2023.
The advent of the internet and digital technologies has brought about a revolution in the world of publishing. With the rise of online self-publishing platforms like Wattpad, students have a unique opportunity to showcase their writing skills, connect with a community of readers, and develop their creative talents. However, while these platforms offer many benefits, they also come with potential drawbacks that can distract students from their primary goals of academic learning.
“I love writing on Wattpad because I enjoy reading people's comments. I love the support and that's what gives me the motivation to write," says Jane.
“I like the diversity in book types on the platform–it gives differentness to it all”.
First, disregarding the benefits and drawbacks of self-publishing platforms, many students find joy in spending time on self-publishing platforms such as Wattpad, whether that be writing their own creative stories or reading them. Jane, 20, a third-year university student and writer says, “I love writing on Wattpad because I enjoy reading people's comments. I love the support and that's what gives me the motivation to write”. Another writer, Solar, 17, currently in 12th grade explains that she “like[s] the diversity in book types on the platform–it gives differentness to it all”.
One of the most significant ways in which online self-publishing platforms enhance student learning is by helping them develop their creativity and imaginative aspects in youth life. By providing a platform for students to express their ideas and perspectives freely, they are able to extend their unique voices and perspectives. Unlike traditional academic writing, which often has strict guidelines and structures, online self-publishing platforms, like Wattpad, allow students to write about any topic they are interested in, without fear of being graded on their performance. Jane further explains that reading and writing on the platform definitely helped her to discover a range of writing styles; “my English grades, indeed, went up as well”. This freedom can be a great source of inspiration and motivation for students who might be struggling with more structured writing assignments.
“Some of my friends read a lot on Wattpad, and we even have a group chat where we recommend books to each other!” states Jane.
In addition, it helps foster a community of readers and writers–by creating and sharing their stories, students can receive feedback from a vast community of readers and writers; “Some of my friends read a lot on Wattpad, and we even have a group chat where we recommend books to each other!” states Jane. This is especially true for those who spend an abundance of time on the platform. Jane, herself, spends around 1-2 hours when reading fan fiction, while writing takes her approximately an hour to write a single chapter. Currently, she has read about 17 books in 2022 and written seven books (five completed and two still ongoing). On the other hand, Solar, spends around an hour and a half writing on Wattpad every few weeks, normally publishing only one story per year, otherwise spending more than six hours a week reading books through Wattpad.
With readers of Wattpad, it may increase students' passion for reading. A sophomore at ISB finds that reading fan fiction often has sparked an interest in turning to publishing on Wattpad as well. Likewise, Jane and Solar, are readers as well as writers, finding themselves immersed in the books that they read and their imaginations broadening from the various plots they have come across. Moreover, online self-publishing platforms can also enhance student learning by providing a means for self-expression. Students can write about their experiences, opinions, and interests, allowing them to express themselves in ways that may not be possible in more formal academic writing. This kind of self-expression can be particularly important for students who might be struggling with personal issues or challenges and need an outlet to share their feelings and emotions with platforms such as Wattpad being a tool for them to create their own persona.
While online self-publishing platforms offer many benefits to students, they also come with potential drawbacks that can distract students from their primary academic goals. For example, students may become so focused on writing and publishing their stories that they neglect their other academic responsibilities, such as completing assignments and studying for exams. “I think it is also a distraction because it does distract students from academics when it comes to them spending more time reading or writing on this app instead of doing needed school work such as homework or assignments,” says Solar. Parents and teachers would most likely agree with this statement as most of the time, they view platforms like these “addictive”, time-consuming”, and not necessarily “useful” to all school-related tasks, according to Mrs. Ikuta, a parent. This kind of distraction can be particularly problematic for students who struggle with time management and organization. Ken Hansberry, a World Studies teacher here at ISB, warns us that, “any hobby, interest or habit can enhance our lives or disrupt our lives depending on how it balances out with other commitments,” he also adds that, “too much of anything can lead to problems, most all healthy things in moderation and balance make us better people and learners. Each case is different, and the general rule of thumb is ‘balance’ or ‘moderation’”.
Another potential distraction associated with online self-publishing platforms is the issue of online safety. Students may be exposed to inappropriate content or negative interactions with other users, which can have a detrimental effect on their mental health and well-being. To avoid these distractions, it is essential that students are educated on how to use these platforms safely and responsibly.
In conclusion, online self-publishing platforms like Wattpad can offer a wealth of opportunities for students to enhance their writing skills, develop their creativity, and express themselves freely. However, it is important to remember that these platforms can also be a distraction if students are not careful. By striking a balance between their academic responsibilities and their creative pursuits, students can reap the benefits of these platforms while still achieving their academic goals.