Chloe O'Connor New Media : Social Networking

Social media is a digital connection that inspires users to create, contribute and network with others globally. These digital platforms continue to transform based on the needs of its users.

Types of uses for social media networking:

to establish relationships with new people and reconnect with long lost friends
for entertainment, gaming and the sharing of media (music, film) like Youtube
for brands and companies to communicate with consumers, offer promotions and launch new products
for maintaining a digital rolodex of professional contacts like LinkedIn

According to the article, Social Networking Technology Boosts Job Recruiting, "Linkedin also help job hunters market themselves online by setting up profiles, listing work history and specific skills"(Langfitt, 2006)

Is there a dark side to social media?

Sure, when virtually communicating with another user or with a particular site, there is always a risk factor involved, depending on how much personal information you share.

In the article, Who Cares About Facebook? Students Do, researchers Boyd and Hargittai note, “Over all, our data show that far from being nonchalant and unconcerned about privacy matters, the majority of young adult users of Facebook are engaged with managing their privacy settings on the site at least to some extent”(as cited in Parry, 2010). Given the fact that younger users are more experienced with navigating social media, they are aware of the different privacy settings that apply to their profiles, to protect themselves from identity theft or security issues.

What are the benefits to society and where do I see the evolution of social media?

Click on these videos from YouTube, as this platform paves the way for users to express themselves and network in ways they never could before.

(Warning: contains explicit language)

Created by filmmakers, Max Joseph and Casey Neistat (YouTube, 2017)

In a nutshell, this video gives advice to a millennial like you wish your high school guidance counselor did. The message, "Do What You Can't" can inspire anyone that has a dream, to create what they think they CAN'T(by traditional standards) and use media platforms where they CAN, such as YouTube.

In honor of women on International Women's Day: March 8th, 2017

#HerVoiceIsMyVoice