What does it mean to network using social media?
Networking using social media refers to the use of social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, blogs, and Facebook for personal learning networks. These platforms are used to form connections with other individuals, grow an individual’s knowledge base, and professionally pursue self-development through continuous learning (Shift Learning).
How are we motivated to participate in networked publics?
The motivation to participate in networked publics is through data, which is persistent, can be replicated, is searchable, and is more scalable (Boyd 349). In addition, there are opportunities that individuals can exploit on through interacting in networked publics. Job opportunities, advertisements, and controlled information are other primary motivators of participating in networked publics. Although elusive in such spaces, privacy is another factor that affects the interaction of individuals in networked publics. Still, the motivation exists in terms of trying to find ways to facilitate individual privacy when using social media platforms.
What are the risks & rewards of public communications?
The risks of public communication include reduced individual privacy and the use of personal data for advertisement without individual authorization (Boyd 349). On the other hand, personal learning networks are among the primary rewards of public communication. Through regular interaction with people in different geographic locations, information is easily accessed and used for learning for personal development. The other benefit is social distancing as brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Public communication is thus facilitated by digital technologies that enable people to undertake remote work and interact with others without physical meeting (Future Learn).
What is a digital identity?
Digital identity refers to the existence of an individual or entity in the digital technology space, which enables communication, interaction, and learning. The 2019 World Economic Forum press conference in Davos indicated that digital identity is vital toward attaining social and political inclusion, protecting individual human rights, and promoting transparency.
How do personal versus professional approaches to digital identity affect social media use?
Personal approaches to digital identity affect social media use in terms of networked privacy. Boyd (350) postulates that the data underscoring networked sociality and the related algorithms connect people across various geographic locations. However, the data and algorithms of the social media platforms are responsible for the personal privacy challenges vis-à-vis digital identity. Professional approaches lead to the formation of digital identities of entities and organizations that use social media mainly for commercial purposes and enable consumers to interact with the brands personally and create value (Rajagopal et al.).
How do digital identities converge in networked publics – what are the impacts and/or benefits?
Digital identities converge in networked publics by representing the various personalities we prefer to convey to the public. The personalities include beliefs, brand preferences, and achievements, which individuals portray to the networked public. The beneficial impact of the convergence of the digital identities in the networked public is that algorithms and data usage can aggregate an individual or entity’s digital behavior. The data is then valuable for providing the most relevant and beneficial digital products and services that facilitate personal learning.
Reference
Boyd, Danah. “Networked Privacy.” Surveillance & Society vol. 10, no. 3/4, 2012), pp. 348-250
Future Learn. “What is a Personal Learning Network (PLN)?,” n.d., https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/learning-network-age/0/steps/24644. Accessed Sept. 18, 2021.
Shift Learning. “What are Personal Learning Networks?,” n.d., https://www.shiftelearning.com/blog/personal-learning-networks. Accessed Sept. 18, 2021.
Rajagopal, Kamakshi, et al. “Understanding personal learning networks: Their structure, content and the networking skills needed to optimally use them.” First Monday, 2012, https://firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/3559/3131. Accessed Sept. 18, 2021.
World Economic Forum. “Davos 2019 – Press Conference: The Value of Digital Identity for the Global Economy and Society.” YouTube, uploaded by WEF, Feb. 5, 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-V7lyxrOmw.
kelsey723 September 18, 2021
Hi Keving,
I have the same thought as yours on the risk and rewards of public communications. I do think that privacy infringement is one of the biggest shortcomings of public communications. More and more applications and platforms require people’s phone numbers or even identity numbers (in China) to certify who you are. I was wondering if there is no such a policy, there will be so much spam and fraud because of an increasing number of fake accounts. Therefore, I think privacy reduction is inevitable.
As you pointed out, public communications make learning and accessing information easily. Thus, I believe that social media will continuously develop as a strong learning tool after Covid-19.
chloeian0329 September 18, 2021
Hello Keving, thanks for sharing! I really like what you said. Because of the impact of the epidemic, everyone stays at home, which leads to estrangement. However, through public communication, people can get closer again, just like before the epidemic. Thank you!
norman00 November 21, 2021
Hi Zewen Ding,
Thank you for sharing your blog post 1, in which you provide excellent responses to each question. You provide examples that clarify what social media means to the network using social media, which helps people understand rather than simply reading a definition. Motivation is necessary for people to do something, as you mention that the networked public provides so many opportunities to motivate themselves to do better, such as working opportunities. I also appreciate you explaining the impacts of digital identities. People can see our digital identities and see what we like, as well as what we think about some social problems, and if we must search for groups, we cannot post anything negative.