How does social media engage communications?

Social media platforms such as Instagram allow us to live stream, message each other, and comment on each other’s posts! This real-time communication allows us to connect with each other instantly. Social media provides a platform for not just individuals but for businesses and organizations, where they can promote their business and projects to a wide audience. Platforms like twitter can engage discussions between users and provide up to date quick info posts on News stories, or my main use for twitter – seeing if there is a snow day that day or not. As mentioned in the article by Jessica Clark and Patricia Aufderheide “Publics are fed by the flow of communication”.  Through the sharing of videos and images, social media can engage all types of learners and allow us to connect with those with similar interests. 

How does social media challenge communications? Is it inclusive?

Social media can challenge communications through the spread of possible misinformation. This question got me thinking back to how during COVID everyone seemed to be a pandemic and vaccine expert, and a lot of the information that was being spread on social media sites was misinformation. Another one of the big things we have all learned to be careful of when being online are possible “hackers”, accounts pretending to be people they are not, and online cyberbullying. As many users can “hide behind the screen” we can see a lot of ugly comments under public figures’ posts and just flat out cyberbullying happening in online spaces. 

Social media communications can be both inclusive and exclusive. If users have similar interests they can join groups on Facebook where you can connect with others and share content with each other. Online social networks can also diversify our views on matters, allow us to meet new people, and anyone can have a social media account! Social platforms can also be somewhat exclusive as there are not always captions on videos, you need internet access to view social platforms, and as discussed before- cyberbullying can deter many away from participating in online discussion or posting media. As mentioned in the reading by Jessica Clark and Patricia Aufderheide “In order to function well, public media projects and platforms designed to engage stakeholders around issues must be both accessible to and representative of the entire population….”. Further proving that to have a successful inclusive space online it needs to be accessible and engaging for everyone!

Does your personal learning network amplify the views of others?

Looking at my own PLN, I don’t feel that it amplifies the views of others. Just looking at my social media, the main things I post are pictures of friends, and I only use Facebook to connect with UVic club social groups and because most of my relatives only use Facebook. On these platforms I haven’t re-posted or commented on political matters and have kept views on public matters somewhat private from my PLN. I do however sometimes re-post projects or like organizations and companies posts that I follow on Instagram/ Linkedin! Diversifying your PLN is always a good idea, so you can explore different views and opinions. If you keep to a very limited PLN, you won’t learn new things and your current views will only be reinforced. 

Image 1. Representing communications of employer social media expectations

The policies of employer social media communication expectations.

When considering how to professionally communicate on social media as an employee, I believe it is best to keep your social media unbiased and somewhat professional. When I say “professional” I don’t believe you need headshots and quotes from your organization, but to be aware of what you post on your social media as if employers can view it. Another policy that could be put in place is to keep knowledge of your work confidential and to maintain respect for others in your social network. 

How to better use social media to build PLN? Influencers & Commentators.

Using social media to build your PLN allows you to make diverse and new connections with others. Social media platforms such as Instagram and Tiktok have “for your pages” and give suggestions under the explore tabs with suggested content that you might like! This allows you to view new content creators and connect with others that might have different views, further diversifying your PLN. A lot of influencers use hashtags and have public accounts, allowing their content to reach more people or connect to a specific audience that might view the hashtags. As mentioned by Amirael in our discussion groups, in the podcast for the week “the interviewee talked about how hashtags can be as a call to action or change..”. Along with making a statement or call for action, hashtags can also connect content creators with brands and other companies who might be looking for creators to help promote their brand! 

Commenting on others posts or discussions gets you participating in online networks. Any comments you make on post can build your PLN by showing that creator support for their content. Participating in online discussions through platforms such as Facebook groups or Twitter, also allow you to connect with other like-minded individuals and also build your PLN by showing that you support that content creator/ what they had posted. 

References: 

Clark, J., & Aufderheide, P. (2011). A New Vision for Public Media. In S. C. Jansen, J. Pooley, & L. Taub-Pervizpour (Eds.), Media and Social Justice (pp. 55–67). New York: Palgrave Macmillan US. Retrieved 23 October 2023 from https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230119796_5