• What does it mean to network using social media?
Due to the rapid increase of social media tools, people have never been more than connected to each other. Social media platforms enable us to connect easily and efficiently with a high level of mobility. Not only has it allowed people to stay connected without losing contact of existing connections but also establish new connections. Because of social media, we, as users, can share memorable and impactful events in our lives with others, and also see what’s going on in our friends’ and colleagues’ lives constantly. Before, our ‘network’ only consisted of our friends, classmates, colleagues, etc. that we meet face-to-face. Now, we are able to connect with people from all over the world, across the city, or even on the other side of our home walls. Additionally , it helps us to build our personal brands and digital footprint. As sharing content is immediate and efficient, we can choose how we want to be seen virtually.
• How are we motivated to participate in networked publics?
Socializing is an aspect of human nature. Our society is built on a network foundation. Many of us are naturally motivated to participate in networked publics. My own personal and recent experiences of motivation to participate in networked publics include virtual career information sessions and meeting with industry professionals about my career. This exemplifies examples of the types of motivation in networked publics – information retrieval and expanding my network. On the other hand, on a more personal level, I use networked publics such as Instagram and Facebook due to the ability to stay in touch and communicate with my friends. And I think the motivations are similar for many people as well.
• What are the risks & rewards of public communications?
We live in a society embedded with technology, and when technology elaborates with social networking with a purpose for many good causes, there are always cases of the misusage of its existence. In general, networking via social media can be beneficial or harmful. From time to time, some of us like to share and express themselves through public communications. Everything that we do virtually is considered public communication – what we post, comment or even like. However, there are downsides to this freedom. Sometimes, although it is a method to express ourselves, sometimes the information that we publicly communicate may negatively impact ourselves. For example, throughout grade school, we are constantly reminded not to post inappropriate posts of ourselves such as drinking, doing drugs, bashing, etc. Because, one day, our potential employers may see it. However, in my opinion, by using public communication skillfully, one can reap its benefits. It can help to someone reinvent themselves or even create a positive personal brand in the case that they may need it one day in career hunting.
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