How does social media engage communications?
Social media promotes communication by presenting people with a platform that allow users to have conversations, share information,create web content, and many more ways to connect. The ease of connecting with people online and variety of different platforms engages communication through social media. Many of us live busy lives and cannot connect with our peers in our day to day lives, however, through use of social media we can engage communication on our goals, significant events, hobbies, and/or work without the need for face to face communication. Additionally, social media has various ways that make communication more engaging than in real-life. Use of likes and favorites, comments, DMs, replies, shares and retweets, saves, clicks, and mentions
How does social media challenge communications? Is it inclusive?
Communication through social media definitely has its own barriers. The most obvious challenge of social media communication is not having the same level of depth in conversations between people/groups. There are a lot of aspects of communication that are missing such as tone of voice, emotion, body language, and being disingenuous when communication is held online. Additionally, online interactions often promote less-free flowing conversations that lead to shallow conversation topics and small talk. Online conversations are very restricted as they involve back and forth texting; long texts that attempt to convey meaning are very tiresome to write out and aren’t often read by the receiver. This discourages meaningful conversations online. Texting is also a fragmented form of communication which means its difficult to foster a meaningful connection through this form of communication as a lot time is past in between responses.
Social media is both inclusive and exclusive at times. It allows for quick communication between people from far distances at any time. It removes a lot of the traditional barriers for communication, however, there is a learning curve to using social media and requires users to have access to technology. People of poverty or the older generation may not have access to this technology or the digital literacy to use such forms of communication.
Does your PLN amplify the views of others?
My personal learning network does not amplify the views of others. Although I frequently use social media, I feel that I am more of a passive user of it. I don’t engage in or share content on social media platforms such as instagram, facebook, twitter, etc. I mainly use it for entertainment or to gain insight on activities that I am participating in real life.
The policies of employer social media communication expectations.
Social media communication expectations definitely would depend on the field of work, however, there are some general rules that should be followed. Anything controversial, especially regarding politics or polarizing subjects should be avoided in conversations online. Separation from work and personal social media use should be part of the expectations as well. I think the policy expectations should be discussed with employees to make sure its fluid and not too restrictive but wouldn’t lead to any future complications for the company.
How to better use social media to build PLN – Influencers & Commentators
Influencers & Commentators have used social media to good success further their personal learning network. They use platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and Linkedin to discuss and share their learning experiences in their own career or hobbies. By sharing the lessons they learned and giving advice for future strategies for other people trying to pursue this career and/or hobby they connect a group of people together that have shared interests.
Hi Richie, I enjoyed reading your post! And I agree with the policies you mentioned about employer social media communication expectations. I think it is very important for employers protect their company’s reputation by not commenting, sharing, and posting on things that are controversial. As well as separate work and personal social media.