bluebird

This week’s readings prompt us to think about networked societies and the importance of digital tools and spaces. Since there has been a massive increase in the use of technological advances to improve and develop society and form connections over media platforms, I believe it is very likely that individuals will continue to create content within their network. Creating content is an element of our culture that enables connections, the development of skills and creates new situations for access and sharing of information. Additionally, Del Giudice (2013) discusses how networks take into account social and economic environments and how communities are built through shared content in their network that maintains and fosters these environments. Though they can be expressed or shown in different forms depending on the environment and the type of content that is created, the key goal is to build connections and enable opportunities for self-communication. In this generation, mass self-communication has been demonstrated through various social media platforms and it allows for information to be shared about communities and individuals alike. The skills that have been developed through networked societies can foster and build on skills like effective communication, adaptability, leadership, and creative thinking. While settings can vary and change depending on the profession, it is important to recognize how these skills can transform how businesses and organizations are run on a local and global scale.

The prompt about open dialogues can rise true in online settings as it can be controversial for some. Individuals who can share the truth about media literacy and what is an appropriate form of communication may find that their beliefs can challenge others. One aspect I can relate this to is cultural practices that may seem inappropriate or unwelcome by other cultures. Having open discourse about what is appropriate and what is not while including factual information, may not be well received by others and are open to challenge. Additionally, it can be a source of conflict due to the idea of what can be considered valid information to share and who has access to it. Many countries, nations, and independent populations (communities that do not use media platforms) may challenge ideas of who should be allowed to access, evaluate and distribute certain types of information. While different messages, posts, and other media content can be open to the eye of the interpreter, some may believe that access to it should not exist to any extent. However, if we were to create our PLN around individuals and organizations that have similar values regarding media literacy, it would be easier to form opinions and make changes that benefit viewers to promote open and factual information. Though it may be difficult to see the information the same, having like-minded and supportive individuals whose primary goals are to provide meaningful, easy, and useful support to access information and media content the same, we would be able to cope with the ever-changing media tools and content that comes our way. 

Social media platforms often generate images, thoughts, and opinions related to entertainment and distractions from stressors or daily life. However, it can be used to benefit education systems through various methods. This week’s video emphasized how teachers can use their PLN to learn from and share ideas with others. One aspect that was highlighted was to get connected with other teachers and educators who share similar interests. Examples such as Twitter and Facebook were provided as they can increase connection and provide educators with an opportunity to share ideas and successes. In addition, they also highlight barriers and failures to certain education plans, which can help other educators to avoid making the same mistakes or give alterations to their current sources. Furthermore, we should consider that social media exposes many lifestyles, backgrounds, and ideas that may not be appropriate for certain settings or considerate to vulnerable populations. Social media has the job of sharing vital news with audiences, but those creating and sharing content must take into account professional boundaries and regulations. One has to use their learning environment to make judgments that are fair, considerate, and informative to allow those to learn while also ensuring safety and professionalism. This can work through using tools to express warning messages such as triggering and violent content. It can also address various types of knowledge, skills, and assets that exist. The key takeaway from these readings is that these tools can be used effectively in learning environments, however, they must be well-understood, before they are utilized and further developed.sider that social media exposes many lifestyles, backgrounds, and ideas that may not be appropriate for certain settings or considerate to vulnerable populations. Social media has the job of sharing vital news with audiences, but those creating and sharing content must take into account professional boundaries and regulations. One has to use their learning environment to make judgments that are fair, considerate, and informative to allow those to learn while also ensuring safety and professionalism. This can work through using tools to express warning messages such as triggering and violent content. It can also address various types of knowledge, skills, and assets that exist. The key takeaway from these readings is that these tools can be used effectively in learning environments, however, they must be well-understood, before they are utilized and further developed. 

This week’s readings and podcast emphasized the concept of fake news and navigating our search for the truth amongst mainstream and heavily influenced political discourse. An example provided was a well-known one of fake news from the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election. This historical moment spread worldwide due to the many elements of communication and media that  addressed potential alterations in information regarding one of the candidates. While fake news can spread fast, it should consider what it is versus how it is perceived. In this case, it was perceived as a direct target of the individuals’ character and beliefs that may be unwanted or unfavorable. More accurately, it would expose systemic issues, propagate targeted news articles, and could be commercially advertised. This highlights how public figures who engage with audiences within the media can be at risk and how any information linked to them can be exposed, manipulated, and altered to fit an agenda. However, it can also highlight their true beliefs and expectations of their society that they may not want to be true. The severity of the situation can vary, however, it does not change how addressing certain issues or topics should always come with a cautionary warning to be considerate of what you say and how you say it. This is especially true for media platforms as they remain constant and ever-lasting on the internet for future generations to see and interact with. This also raises the question of how best to address negative responses and reviews that reflect one’s values. If your belief system is being targeted or questioned, I think it is important to attempt to understand other perspectives and the information they used to formulate their opinion. While it may be difficult to understand, it is important to acknowledge that all values must be respected as long as they do not pose harm or threats to someone else. Though I do follow this school of thought, this can change based on many unique circumstances and should be handled case by case. 

Some of the key benefits of having a diverse and inclusive PLN lie in the aspects of accessibility to various types of discourse. As highlighted by this week’s reading, media is both for and by the public which can allow various individuals, communities and organizations to hear different perspectives as well as share how they view certain things and facts that others may not be aware of. This impacts the community in a way that highlights how we should create, observe and develop online communities and public media that is inclusive and continues to build on this. While many public media platforms and social media platforms may differ in how messages are communicated, their main goals are the same; which is to educate, inform and mobilize users. If we are able to build on different opinions and facts from diverse and inclusive networks, we can further educate, support and share information to communities that may not have access to each other or their information. Though it may seem like an unorthodox platform to some to share such vital information, it is important to consider how we reach new audiences and the type of access they have to various networks based on their background. If we are able to engage new audiences to both entertain and share vital information, we are able to increase individuals’ PLN’s and their opportunities.

I believe that creating a PLN can involve meeting individuals in person through networking events and social events. In the podcast episode assigned for this week, Sophie Lui highlighted the importance of sending physical tapes and reaching out via phone to initiate coffee meetings and networking opportunities. Though it is difficult to “cold-call” as she stated, it is important to establish your presence with others and create new opportunities for yourself. By utilizing her method and mindset, one could establish personal and meaningful connections with others that can then be used to support yourself on social media. It is also important to make connections with those based on your interests and specific focuses as this could help grow a social media campaign and gain support from others online. Another way that you could create a PLN is by discussing and sharing important issues or topics with your friends, families, classmates, or co-workers to highlight your interests and share resources. By finding and connecting with individuals with similar goals and mindsets, we cannot only create an effective social media campaign but attract other like-minded individuals online and share resources and support one another.

This week the professional setting I have chosen to reflect on is a university learning environment. Within universities, digital communities are formed through professional and educational networks such as Brightspace, Microsoft Teams and Mattermost, however, these can also extend to social media platforms. These platforms allow for a majority of individuals to share their opinions, feelings and information with other students and professors. One element that can have a mixed perspective is the idea of sharing one’s thoughts on class material and resources with others and the consequences it can have. A negative consequence that can arise is that individuals may disagree with each other and use social media as a platform to harm them through forms of exploitation, racism and bullying. In addition, as highlighted in the “Tell Everyone: why we share and why it matters” reading,  it can also lack institutional structure, further promoting misinformation and negativity online. However, this can lead to shifts in how we view certain conversations about diversity and inclusion online and how we can confront them. This can open the door to opportunities for further research into new ideas, perspectives and experiences that promote diverse voices to be heard and shared in the online community. While educational settings can prove challenging to share one’s perspectives on situations and given classroom tasks, it can also provide the opportunity to confront issues and create a bridge for ideas and perceptions that may be different from one another. Using social media to share ideas, experiences and perspectives can facilitate this process and reach out to other communities outside of a university environment. 

From what I have observed and conversations I have had with other students, many students use platforms such as Linkedin and Facebook to develop their professional network. This is done through sharing experiences, opportunities, and skills they acquire or aim to in an engaging and relatable manner. However, when considering how a student could expand their professional learning network, they should first take into account what has already been shared and what they aim to develop or experience. Considering what has already been shared can determine how they are perceived and the level of privacy they have. On the one hand, it could promote their professional learning network by being as open as possible and allowing others to have a more complex and in-depth understanding of the student. However, it could present drawbacks as intimate and potentially misleading details may be shared that could be harmful to one’s career or identity online. This makes me consider how I have created a digital identity in my professional life. Though I have created a Linkedin and networked to find jobs or volunteer opportunities on Facebook, I have taken part in activities and events that have articles written about me that promote a positive identity. I have created this through meaningful and beneficial relationships that have allowed me to grow and network with new individuals. While this is a positive element in my online network, an employer who potentially viewed my social media may have a different idea. My public accounts on social media, which require no following or requesting of access, highlight my personal life, travels, and experiences that I have had with family and friends. In my perspective, I think it mostly shows how I like to travel and go on excursions but depending on the employer or organization it can be misperceived, which is why I need to be considerate of what I post and where.

This week’s readings and videos ignited a sense of reflection and consideration as to what my digital identity looks like and how this is curated. A digital identity is essentially one’s personal beliefs, emotions, cognitions, experiences and interactions that are presented on digital platforms, both professional and personal. It can also be attributed to how one chooses to interact with others and use different tools and platforms available to develop or learn new skills. One’s personal approach to their digital identity in the context of social media appears to be more associated with joy, connection and excitement shared with others online. It also is a way to communicate different forms of information that may not necessarily be linked to one’s career or professional goals, such as birthdays, celebrations or vacations. In contrast, professional approaches to one’s digital identity can involve using educational sites, learning applications and tools and networking platforms such as Linkedin, to connect and create professional opportunities. This could mean that their social media use involves more sharing of content that interests them in an educational or career sense, highlighting projects or activities they are involved in and how they can support themselves and others with new skills acquired. Both these identities have their respective place in society and can be responsible for various opportunities, events and skills that can benefit both their professional and personal lives. One example of this was highlighted at the World Economic Forum Press Conference in which the Indian representative stated that those who were able to gain a form of identification could have increased access to financial institutions and networking and social media platforms, highlighting the benefits and changes in the Indian economic sector aimed to benefit smaller or underserved communities. However, concerns discussed in the Indian supreme court emphasized that privacy, agency and control over one’s data and its use should be of the utmost importance and prioritized for citizens. These two perspectives highlight the importance of aiming to provide individuals access to healthcare, financial support and communities, while also maintaining their privacy, consent and portrayal of their identity.

Based on the readings from this week, networking using social media entails finding opportunities that match our skill set, connecting with like-minded individuals, and developing connections for new learning and skill development situations. By having social media as a platform for networking and future work support, individuals are empowered to use their unique qualities to both learn and collaborate with others with the same goals or with those who can help them achieve said goals. Through different factors, we are motivated to participate in networked publics based on professional and non-formal interests, needs, and commonalities. Rajagopal et al (2011) highlight how an individual seeks to look for common interests, organizations, or connections with individuals based on “certain immediate professional needs”, which are led by forming personal attachments to create or maintain trusted relationships and environments for which individuals can expand their networks, and therefore their skills and overall value. This highlights how there are many benefits to one’s involvement in public networks and communications. This includes tools to thrive in new environments, enhancing levels of communication, identifying individuals or communities to improve our learning, and strengthening delicate relationships. However, with these rewards, one must consider the risks of being involved openly in public discourse. This brings up the issue of security and being grouped indiscriminately as a unit rather than as a unique individual. The “Surveillance & Society – Networked Privacy (2012)” reading brought up the issue of how machines interpret us and our value on public networks. Data, preferences, and actions can be grouped to form an image of the individual based on others’ habits and activities, erasing individuality and controlling the image or persona portrayed online. These factors and risks highlight the importance of networking to communicate interests and needs as well as promote growth and development, however, one must be cautious of the effects that technology and networks have on an ever-growing and fast-paced online and in-person community.