What does it mean to network using social media?
The term “networking” through the use of social media refers to how we connect with others in order to broaden our personal learning network and learn in an online setting. Through the network that social media provides, our accessibility to knowledge and connections with other people are expanded, allowing us to connect with people we may never have the ability to meet in person. An example of a site that allows networking through social media is the company LinkedIn. Using this network, individuals are able to share their professional portfolios and connect with others, allowing them to strengthen their skills and achieve their career goals. Without this online application, the breadth of connections that one could gain is much smaller, as all communication would have to be done face-to-face.
How are we motivated to participate in networked publics?
As social media continues to expand and grow, this increases the motivation for individuals to participate in the networks provided by social media. We are largely driven to use these networks as they are becoming the primary mechanism for interacting with others. For instance, if you are on the hunt for a job, the first thing you would likely do is go onto a site such as Indeed or LinkedIn to search for available jobs in your area. Additionally, many people who move to a new city and want to make connections will first use a social media application to find individuals around them that share common interests. Gone are the days when people find jobs in local newspaper ads and meet friends in a coffee shop, thus, to maintain and grow connections both professionally and personally, it can be argued that we must participate in these networks.
What are the risks & rewards of public communications?
Public communications have many benefits such as easier ways of connecting with others, and a much larger reach for finding opportunities, as we no longer need to be in person to do so. Furthermore, as we saw during the pandemic, having the ability to work remotely and communicate with others solely online allows for greater adaptability to all life circumstances. This being said, many issues regarding privacy can put users at risk on social media. To connect with others and share our knowledge and experience, there is an extent of privacy that we give up in order to do so. Many individuals may not be fully aware of where all their information is going and who has access to it, which can pose a risk for their safety.
June 5, 2023 at 8:08 pm
Hi Delaney!
I really enjoyed your post and how clearly and organized you broke down the content of week 1. I agree with you that we have evolved from the days of meeting people in public and using word of mouth to find job opportunities. With the fast evolution of technology so has our ways of networking. I also liked your perspective on your post-pandemic life with the risk and rewards of public communications. It is true that we have befriended technology more since the pandemic for its facilities but there are risks like you mentioned.