Blog Post #1
This weeks readings focused on Personal Learning networks and digital identity. The questions for these weeks readings are as follows:
What does it mean to network using social media?
Social media has become a significant part of everyone’s daily lives. On a day to day basis, many individuals find themselves using applications such as Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok to interact and network with one another. Networking through social media has allowed for individuals to connect with anyone around the world, just from their phone or computer. Networking through social media allows an individual to build their digital identity, and create a presence online depending on what they are wanting to share with the world. This can mean sharing their daily lives, sharing certain messages or ideas, seeking opportunities, finding like minded individuals, searching for job opportunities, selling or purchasing items, and so much more.
How are we motivated to participate in networked publics?
Networking through social media is something that has become so prevalent in our daily lives. Whether it be through school, work, friends, family, it is something that most individuals tend to participate in. A major motivation to participate in networking is that it is so accessible and easy and it allows for interactions and information to be accessed through our fingertips almost instantaneously. Since it is also used in almost each area it has become necessary for individuals to be using it to stay up to date. For many classes in school, networking through social media can provide many benefits. For jobs, many companies seek technologically savvy individuals. With that being said, it is motivating to participate in networking as it can help us set up for a better future.
What are the risks and rewards of public communication?
Social media can be used as a very powerful tool in our society today. However, while public communication is easily accessible and instantaneous that can be seen as rewards, there are also many risks attached. Some risks include that a lot of personal information can be shared online, this can sometimes lead to privacy and data breaches. As well, this can open the gates to cyberbullying and cyberattacks as it is often easier for individuals to hide behind a screen while attacking an individual. On the other hand, public communication can be rewarding in terms of building connections with individuals around the world, growing and promoting businesses or ideas, informing individuals about current events or issues and in terms of seeking help or finding resources.
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