How likely are individuals going to continue with their created content and their network?

This question has actually been a big topic of conversion online right now! A lot of big content creators are being asked the question of- how long is this “content creation” trend and income actually going to last?? Or, for the people that dropped out of high school to make content….. What happens when they are not relatable to the rest of the population and no longer have a big following? 

I honestly think that the influencer trend will continue for the next 10 years, although I believe that a lot of these content creators are going to quickly fall off the map. As mentioned in the paper by Del Giudice, “…the Internet is the top media application nowadays due to its high level of interactivity”. If influencers continue to post content that people will watch and add new levels of interactivity, the content creation will continue. 

For the public to be interested in your post, you need to come up with new ideas and be relatable to your audience. A lot of these influencers are already not relatable as they don’t go to school or have a typical 9-5 job. The more unrelatable someone becomes to the general population, people will watch them less. Content creator networks will become smaller as most influencers only relate to other influencers, when it comes to daily schedule, jobs, social networked groups etc. 

Are the skills that they developed applicable in professional practices?

If you are a high paid content creator/ influencer, yes I believe that skills you had to get to that position are applicable. Skills including; oral communication skills, video editing, scheduling posts, creating ideas for content, managing sponsors, networking to bigger organizations for brand deals, and helping sell products are all skills that can be used in a professional environment. With the content and deals that these influencers get, we see them building/ starting their own businesses, and using their platform to sell products from their business as well. In the new age of technology and content creation, knowing how to quickly adapt to changing trends is super important to keep brands relevant and relatable. The skills built when networking with others, is also extremely valuable in business development.  

Can your PLN be used to help professional development post-course? Can your PLN be relied on to open professional opportunities?

Personal learning networks can 100% help in professional development! Reflecting on the Wakelet Podcast, they discussed how using Twitter and being able to connect with other educators online has been super helpful for getting ideas for their own classrooms. When it comes to conferences, having ‘met’ people through online platforms before, makes approaching others easier and makes those real life connections more comfortable. These connections also allow for further development of your own learning, connecting you with new trends and resources. Using your PLN we can share resources and experiences, creating a continuous learning environment. Making new connections and maintaining that online identity, can lead to job referrals, collaborations, and other career advancements.

Image 1. Shows use of technology to connect to online spaces

Overall, the most important thing is to get uncomfortable with technology. Try new things, join online chat groups, make new connections because you never know who you might meet! Make that LinkedIn profile, comment on employers posts, join local community chat groups to meet new people. The opportunities now are endless, when it comes to career opportunities and our ability to network with others. 

References: 

The Wakelet Podcast (2022). The Benefits of Growing your Network & PLN. Youtube Podcast. 

Del Giudice, M. (2014). From Information Society to Network Society: The Challenge. In: Social Media and Emerging Economies. SpringerBriefs in Business. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02490-5_5