How does social media engage communications?

Social media can engage communications within an employment context as it provides employees an avenue to express themselves and showcase who they are across various platforms. In a similar case, this also allows employers to get a glimpse of who they are working employing and whether the individual’s lifestyle and experiences match that of the business. Additionally, social media is a great way to inform individuals about various avenues and opportunities for employment. Whether this is through advertisements or simply connecting with individuals who have an intriguing lifestyle, this can open an employee’s eyes to new fields that they may not have known of previously. Furthermore, the many applications of social media can create new ways for employers to find employees, as they can search various socials to find a candidate that is the right fit for their job.

How does social media challenge Communications?

In terms of employment, social media can hinder communications through the loss of face-to-face interaction and identification. As many jobs have become remote and communication is often done online, identifying individuals for a job, and ensuring they are who they are portraying online is not as simple. Simply looking at the highlight reel that someone presents through their social media may not be an accurate representation of who they will be as an employee. Likewise, online communication can lose the filter and professionalism that is often maintained in face-to-face interactions as individuals do not feel as accountable for the things they are saying. Words used may be misconstrued or confuse the receiver, which can hinder communication between individuals.  

Is it inclusive?

In my opinion, social media works to be inclusive, but it is very hard to make it an equal environment for all users. As Moore (2016) expresses, every individual is so vastly different, therefore, it would be near impossible to account for the needs of every person in terms of social media. While some people are very happy to share their professional and personal lives publicly on social media, others are not, thus changing the connections and interactions that they have within their PLN. In the context of employment, it is hard for social media to be inclusive of everyone, as everyone’s socials are personal to their preferences. Some candidates for a job may be able to network immensely on social media and know the ins and outs of how to do this. However, others may not have access to the support of figuring out social interactions and thus may have a loss of communication if they are unable to navigate social media in the same way. Further, social media can create a very biased view of the world that can thus lack inclusivity. It can be a place where not everyone’s voices are encouraged, thus making people feel that they cannot share their perspectives or views for fear of being ostracized.

Does your PLN amplify the views of others?

The use of social media to amplify your views and values to others is a great way to engage and educate others online. As there are many avenues to share news and information through social media, this can be a way to communicate with those who follow you about current events or important issues that they may not be aware of. I feel that I often learn about the majority of current events through people reposting and sharing their views on social media. Often, this is why marketing and advertising of important views are done through social media, as it has the capability of being shared far past the extent of face-to-face communication.

The policies of employer’s social media expectations

Your digital footprint is something that follows you throughout your life, which is why it is always important to be careful about what you allow others to see online. It can be very common for employers to take a look at the digital footprint of a possible employee to gain more insight into the values and character of that individual. For this reason, it is important to ensure that whether it is your personal or professional social media, you are portraying yourself in a manner that you would feel proud to show an employer. Personally, I have never had an employer monitor my social media or prohibit my actions online, however, I am sure that if my actions online were interfering with my professional image, my employer would likely have an issue with this.

What are the benefits of a diverse and inclusive PLN in social media sharing that understands where you are coming from within messaging that impacts the community?

Diversity and inclusion within PLNs in social media is increasingly important as it creates a network where people can share and educate others, while also forming their own opinions and perspectives. Social media can bring to light many conversations that would normally fly under the radar, as the reach of communication is so much further online. While every individual is different, social media allows people from all areas to interact and form connections based on their differences and commonalities. As this creates diversity, inclusion is key to ensuring that everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their views as without this comfortability, important views and perspectives may not be brought to light. Diversity and inclusion can create a social network that works as a team to solve and discuss issues, rather than a network work that excludes the education that others can bring. Moore (2016) really emphasized the importance of this, driving home the idea that we can learn and grow so much more through the communication and inclusion of others’ ideas.

References

Moore, S. (2016). One without the other: Stories of unity through diversity and inclusion. Portage & Main Press.