What does it mean to network using social media?

People can use social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram for both personal and professional purposes (Guitterez).By connecting with friends, family, peers, coworkers, and other professionals to learn and gain information (Guitterez). In other words, these social media platforms are our personal learning networks; this is where we get the opportunity to share and obtain new knowledge and experiences with so many different professionals around the world at any time of the day (Guitterez). The power of using social media as a networking platform is that it is easy to form new connections, grow your platform and share knowledge with others (Guitterez).

 

How are we motivated to participate in networked publics?

The article “What Is a Personal Learning Network (PLN)?” explains that the world has become more technologically advanced. Society is more connected than ever; this results in individuals developing an online identity (“What Is a Personal Learning Network (PLN)?” ). Individuals are motivated to build and use social media because it allows them to connect and learn outside the lecture rooms (“What Is a Personal Learning Network (PLN)?” ). Those who have social media platforms can share videos, creating gaming networks, discussion forums, online communities  and much more together(“What Is a Personal Learning Network (PLN)?” ). This type of network “is made of people, devices, information and services” that can be shaped into individual personal learning network (“What Is a Personal Learning Network (PLN)?” ). Furthermore, Rajagopal et al. explain that professionals are motivated to “design and navigate network to bring them the most professional and educational benefit at each stage of their career.” This is a personal, professional network to meet the need of their professional pursuits and create valuable connections (Rajagopal et al.). 

 

What are the risks & rewards of public communications?

There are many rewards when people engage with public communication; however, it differs depending on if it is a personal or organizational network. Personal networks promote an individual’s career and enable the person to connect and find support from others (Rajagopal et al.). In contrast, an organization network platform is to create trusted partners and keep up with ongoing business changes (Rajagopal et al.). It supports continuous learning and allows people to expand their network and connect with others to share their knowledge (Guitterez). The greatest reward of public communication is that it enables people to grow their business, start a discussion, spread awareness and enhance their learning experience. 

 

There are also risks with public communication; the biggest one, in my opinion, is privacy and potential cyberbullying. As people are becoming more technology-dependent so much of our lives are shared online, making privacy a major issue. These privacy concerns are collecting and sharing location and personal data without the user’s knowledge or consent. Furthermore, personal networks allow people to express hurtful and offensive thoughts anonymously on social media. This is an act of cyber-bullying, which is very common as it is easy to do. Since people do not have to share who they are and can hide behind a computer. 

 

References

Walsh, Evan. “5 Little-Known Social Media Marketing Tips That Will Take Your Marketing to New Heights.” 5 Little-Known Social Media Mark… – Opinion – What Mobile, 21 May 2019, www.whatmobile.net/Opinion/article/5-little-known-social-media-marketing-tips-that-will-take-your-marketing-to-new-heights.

Gutierrez, Karla. “What are Personal Learning Networks?” SHIFT, 21 June 2016. https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/learning-network-age/0/steps/24644. Accessed 20 January 2021.

Future Learn. What Is a Personal Learning Network (PLN)? www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/learning-network-age/0/steps/24644.

Rajagopal, Kamakshi, et al. View of Understanding Personal Learning Networks: Their Structure, Content and the Networking Skills Needed to Optimally Use Them: First Monday. firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/3559/3131.