Does technology help students' social skills, or hurt them?

I think this is the key question we need to be asking here. Social networking is a great thing. However, a vast amount of our communication is non-verbal. The subtleties of tone, inflection and facial expression cannot be conveyed via text or twitter.
Do these technologies help our students to socialise and build networks of contacts? Yes.
Do these technologies help our students develop interpersonal skills, like listening, emotional intelligence and empathy? I don't think so.

...Occur first inside ones soul, then inside ones family, then inside ones social circle: school, friends... Children will bring a complicated network of social skills and inhibitions already by the time any "technology" is presented to them. If a child is tending toward the anti-social (for any reason) they will probably use technology to that end, and, visa-versa. Over all technology can and should be used for good. If children are not being raised in a balanced way that is not the fault of technology...

It can help, but it depends greatly on the parameters laid out by the educator. Students are patient with our use of technology in the classroom. Web forum discussions have helped bring all my students into discussions, they have time to think about their ideas and develop responses...they are going to communicate this way whether we want them to or not, best we help them learn how.

People are not changed by technology. Technology only speeds up the inevitable. Digital Immigrants may want to blame technology and all it offers as something to point their finger at and evade the truth. Digital Natives may look at technology as the great liberator and credit it with bringing the world to their doorstep.
Technology is not a villain or a savior it is the great accelerant.

An introvert using technology is empowered to reach out to the world while continually avoiding taking a step out the door. Has technology changed them? No; and if you ask the introvert they will say they know more people today because of technology than they would have without it.

An extrovert using technology is empowered to utilize technology as just another tool to overcome objectives in the real world. Google maps with street views; online library directories for an entire city, state or nation; job applications online; a University of Phoenix education; Social Networking and more cater to the doers who can do at much greater rate. Has technology changed them? No; and if you asked them they would say technology has only enhanced their inherit abilities by removing barriers.

I voted 'neither' on the poll. Technology will never replace parents and role models. Technology is a tool, just like a gun is a tool. Oh no, I just opened another can of worms. Love Ya!

Anyone who has a conversation with a techno engrossed individual knows the answer. If you text them....you usually get a one word response....and NO lol does not count as a word.
If you talk with them....you are lucky to get a nod....and a curious look. Face to face communication must be pushed EVEN MORE than we have had to in the past, because many of our young people are losing the Human Element.

Just have a converstaion with someone who is overly techno.....that will answer your question. Text them...you will get ..."Yes"

Talk to them you sill get a nod. Wow....great communication.

Technology, such as texting, can be useful on some aspects, but i believe for the majority of kids using texting, IM, etc., it is hurting them completely. Parents have no say in what their kids are talking about, or their kids freinds. too many codes, abbreviations, and ways of talk have been developed to keep parents from knowing what is going on in their conversations. and most of the people children text are kids they just saw 10 mins ago at school. texting has become a large problem in schools these days as well.