How does social media engage communications?
Social media is a great tool to engage in communications in both professional and personal settings. For instance, at my previous job, we often used Microsoft Teams to communicate quickly with each other if a task is urgent. We also used emails for tasks that were less urgent or if we needed to formulate a more professional email to stakeholders. Also, according to research done by the University of Maine (2021), there are around 4.48 billion people who use social media worldwide, therefore it is almost a necessity to use social media to communicate with each other.
How does social media challenge communications? Is it inclusive?
Although social media is an excellent tool when used to communicate with others virtually, it can challenge communications in the sense that individuals may feel less inclined to meet in person. Since it is so easy for people to communicate virtually through social media, they often overlook the other aspects of communication such as the social aspect of being in-person, understanding body language, and physical touch. This can lead to individuals feeling socially awkward or anxious as they are not used to communicating with others in person. I think this is inclusive of the majority of the population. Homosapiens as a species are social beings, we need to have social interactions to thrive, and social media may hinder how to interact with others. I have also experienced this during the COVID-19 pandemic, not being able to see my friends for a while made me feel socially awkward talking and communicating with others in person after the pandemic ended.
Does your PLN amplify the views of others?
I do think my PLN amplifies the views of others. In my personal learning network, we often share our opinions about different topics and it is nice to see and learn about different perspectives on the same topic.
The policies of employer social media communication expectations.
The policies of employers in regard to social media communication should be professional and appropriate. Although it is nice to be able to communicate using social media in the workplace, there should be boundaries set so that the conversations are professional and appropriate in a workplace setting. I think that personal conversations can be had using personal social media accounts outside of work hours but should be kept strictly professional during work hours.
How to better use social media to build PLN – Influencers & Commentators
Social media is a great way to build a PLN. If you are willing, you can put yourself out there on websites such as Youtube or Reddit, this can lead to people who share similar views reaching out to you and helping you build connections and expand your PLN. The contrary also works, you can also reach out to people whom you enjoy their content and see if they would like to connect with you.
References
Social Media Statistics Details – undiscovered Maine – University of Maine. Undiscovered Maine. (n.d.). Retrieved March 8, 2023, from https://umaine.edu/undiscoveredmaine/small-business/resources/marketing-for-small-business/social-media-tools/social-media-statistics-details/
Hey Thomasnguyen,
Great post! I love how you linked the first question asked to your real world experience of using Microsoft teams. I also love how you used outside resources, like the study you cited and added it your blog post, it really shows that you went above and beyond. For the question “How does social media challenge communications? Is it inclusive?” I 100% agree with what you said, its actually one of the main reasons I stopped using social media all together. Though, I’m a little surprised you didn’t talk about wide fire on social media we call misinformation, and the role AI has with this matter. I feel like its hands down the next big thing after what you talked about. I talked about it in my blog post so I wont bore your ear off.
Once again amazing post!
Omar,