Social Media - Personal Comp Tale 1

Within these first few weeks of classes, the one thing I have worried about is students adding me on social media. There are things in the media (e.g. movies, magazine articles, etc.) that portray this relationship between instructor and student as acceptable or okay. And while a professional relationship with a student is acceptable, there are boundaries that must not be crossed. As a young adult starting college, I think it is hard for them to distinguish the line of appropriate conduct--with all of their excitement and freedom. The instructor is a professional in the college classroom. Developing a personal friendship, as opposed to a professional relationship, with students is nearing unethical territory, especially when it comes to conflict of interest.

I have had one student try to add me on various social media sites. This has made me extremely uncomfortable, not only because of the unethical nature, but also because of the perceptions this could convey. Also, when the students found out that they couldn't make appointments with me in the writing center, they seemed upset--I'm assuming it's because I know the assignments. Both of these instances make me question how the students view my authority in the classroom. While I'm not their instructor, I'm not a peer either. And obviously at one point I will be instructing the course. 

So how do we, as instructors, move passed these interactions with students while still remaining professional? I think it is important to establish your authority within the classroom, but what are the best ways to go about doing this?