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Communication Camaraderie

At the root of social media, the purpose is connection. Building relationships, both professionally and personally through means of online comradeship. Creating these relationships does not come without challenges, however, understanding some aspects of social media communication can be useful in navigating the platforms.

Professionally

           Social media sites are an excellent source to make connections. On a professional scale there is the ability to make connections with fellow members of your practice and also those who one may come into contact with. This is where boundaries may need to be established on what is and is not appropriate for connection. Due to this, “the appropriate use of social media should be discussed with trainees and faculty, in both formal and informal formats” (Peedin & Karp, 2018, Pg. 442). Creating an understanding early on within an organization about the appropriate uses for social media on a professional level can ease any confusion or conflict that may arise. Every action has a consequence whether positive or negative, with this in mind when one decides to connect via social media they must “carefully consider comments made on social media about colleagues, trainees, other employers, or their place of employment” (Peedin & Karp, 2018, Pg. 441). This is because one needs to assume that anyone can access this information and should anything negative be found there can be some hefty consequences. This leads to the thought process of thinking is it really fair for employees to judge someone based off of their social media?  Personally, I do not think so, however, it is human nature to observe and make constructive judgements off of what we see.

Personally

           When social media is used purely personally, there is less stress from professional pressure. Most people that use social media claim that “staying connected to family and friends is the primary driver for this engagement, however, shopping, romance-seeking, and discussing hobbies and politics are among other reasons for this use” (Wardi-Zonna, Hardy, Sanders, & Hardy, Pg. 69). The connections of social media are equivalent to connections made face-to-face as it is possible to make interpersonal connects on an online platform. Since these connections are possible, so are mental health issues. The connection behind mental health and online communication can be an area that is quite gray as different individual experience the online platform uniquely. Some individuals thrive on the online space with meaningful connections and ability to freely express themselves. While others can see the space as one for hidden abuse and bullying. Rejection on an online platform can be just as damaging as it is in person. It is understood that “interpersonal rejection engenders a cascade of significant negative feelings which may be especially pronounced in those individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges” (Wardi-Zonna, Hardy, Sanders, & Hardy, Pg. 70). Using the social media space to connect is excellent. However, it is important to acknowledge the hardships and challenges that come with navigating social media and suffering from any mental health issue.

Differences

           Communication on social media is possible both professionally and personally. To be more competent communicators users must equip themselves with the tools that can help them navigate the ins and outs of communicating professionally verses what is purely for a private circles’ entertainment. Personal censorship can be difficult to navigate as sometimes it feels like there is no space to fully express oneself without fear of professional judgement. Social media can be used both for personal and professional connections. Those who use these services can broaden their connections and create online interpersonal relationships, which in turn, creates communication comraderies.

References

Peedin, A.R., & Karp, J.K. (2018). Pathology and Professionalism in the Age of Social Media. Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, 142(4), 441-442. https://doi.org/10.5858/arpa.2017-0467-ED

Wardi-Zonna, K., Hardy, J.L., Sanders, E.M., & Hardy, R.M. (2020). Mental Health Professionals and the Use of Social Media: Navigating Ethical Challenges. Journal of Social Work Values & Ethics, 17(2), 68-77.

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Plugged-In Protests

Success?

           First, what is a plugged-in protest? This is collective action taken by people using an online format. This means that the participants are protected from most physical harm, but also can speak their mind and opinions. This is most commonly seen currently supporting protests and movements.

           In this regard, how successful can an online protest be? The answer is very successful.  It has been understood that individuals “were more likely to initially participate in instances of low-risk activism before they developed the mindset and the social links that would drive them into high-risk protests” (Mercea, 2012, pg. 155). Meaning that these online protesters speak their mind, find their community, and then may find the confidence to physically participate in a demonstration or protest.

Mobile Tools

           Technology has made online movements much more attainable and accessible. Teaching students how to use technology in productive ways early is a way to teach the value in online participation and communication. It was observed that when people were a part of a virtual space they “[felt] they belonged more to the class community, so they were more engaged, which translated to higher success” (Baker & Ryalls, 2014, Pg. 24). By creating an understanding of online communication and learning technological protesting can be made possible. In these online movements using technology has made “public communication more effective while also enhancing their capacity to coordinate collective action” (Mercea, 2012, Pg. 154). Using technology creates a space to collaborate, pick dates and times, and quickly communicate any concerns or quick adjustments that need to be made.

Action as a Part of a Larger Movement

           Most online protests are a part of a larger movement. The online portion is what allows the movement to have greater connections and faster communication. The online aspect of protest “build up – in terms of mobilization, identity building and organization – ahead of a physical protest event” (Mercea, 2012, Pg. 155). Meaning that the online communication is the beginning of the movements and will follow through during and post the protests as well.  According to (Baker & Ryalls), there is “a modest belief that new technologies can become agents of progressive social change” (2014, Pg. 25). Online communication is an action that can be easily established as part of a bigger movement in regard to collective action.

Collective Action

Mass Media

           Online collective action for protests can occur on a number of different mass media sites. Most commonly, it is seen on social media sites such as Twitter and Instagram, however sometimes it can make it so far as to being reported on by the news stations. Sites such as Twitter are more interactive were participates can easily and quickly tweet out information to each other along direct messaging. The news on the other hand is not interactive instead it just shows information sometimes supporting the online protests while other times putting it down. This mass media consumption can change the viewers’ perception based on where they are receiving the information from. Should the individual only see the news they may think the online protest is worthless, while on the other side if an individual is highly active and involved on social media sites they may be completely involved with the movement.

Personal News Consumption

           Personally, I get most of my news from social media sites. Primarily because I do not have cable and therefore do not have access to the news that airs on television. I also strive to understand the whole story, so I will not take everything I read on social media as the whole truth; I find it valuable to find other sources and viewpoints to gain a more well-rounded perspective on the situation.

Different from Print

           With my personal news consumption in mind, I enjoy the differences between online news and news found in print. The most basic and influential part from my personal experience is, that when I do not understand something, I see on social media I have the ability to ask the creator for more insight. This is incredible as direct collaboration and communication can come directly from the source. With print, in theory, one could reach out to the author, but by the time there was a response how relevant is the question anymore? I find print a good source of keeping track of past news, however in today’s environment I find online news sources more effective if the consumers are willing to find all sides of the story.

Changes in Information Exchange

           Social media and online communication outlets have created the availability for a lot of change in how individuals consume the news and other information. Although there have been many transitions from print, to radio, to television, to now online, communication has always been important for the spread of information. Some find it an issue today how inescapable online communication appear. Yes, it is everywhere and if one chooses not to be a part of it, it is possible that they will become lost or not as up-to-date as possible with their knowledge. There is concern over attention spans, and the boundaries that surround communication. Having online communication capabilities have allowed individuals to stay connected longer than ever before. This, like any change comes with positives and negatives. The root of everything is communication, the way to fix a problem is to talk it out and that is why developing competent communication skills is so vital for collaboration and connection.

References

Baker, A.A., & Ryalls, E. (2014). Technologizing Feminist Pedagogy: Using Blog Activism in the Gender Studies Classroom. Feminist Teacher, 25(1), 23-38. https://doi.org/10.5406/femteacher.25.1.0023

Mercea, D. (2012). Digital prefigurative participation: The entwinement of online communication and offline participation in protest events. New Media & Society, 14(1), 153-169. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444811429103

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Week 1

What is Computer Mediated Communication?

             Computer mediated communication stems from the online sources that are available for individuals to communicate on. Currently, I use online media to communicate all of the time. This blog is even for a classroom assignment solely based on how communication can be mediated through the internet. I use my computer to communicate with my classmates about group projects, as well as interact with them for weekly discussion posts. All of these interactions are logged online and can be looked back on and are mediated by others as well as the professors. I also use my phone daily, honestly every minute give or take a few here and there. I use many social media and messaging platforms to stay in contact with my friends. In the current state of the world it is the best way to stay in contact without having the possibility of safe physical contact. The last online format I stay in communication with others on is through gaming platforms. I can speak, or type, with my friends while playing online games together. This is a fun way to hang out and communicate distanced and has even allowed for my social network of friends to expand during a pandemic.

Challenges in Privacy

             One flaw in communicating on the internet is that is not always the safest option. As we get older, we can better understand the potential danger of communicating online. However, with how accessible the internet is, this means younger users are ever more present on the online format. Keeping them safe is more relevant as more and more social media sites are created. Preventing children from using an online platform is at this point an impossible thing to ask. With this in mind it is important to understand that “quite often young people provoke or initiate dangerous situations, or they cancel them from their parents and teachers, considering themselves more experienced than adults” (Soldatova & Rasskazova, 2016, Pg. 136). The threats of online safety issues can be alleviated by better connections between parents or adults and the children under their care, and better guidance about how online communications should be used. Ultimately the best way to prevent safety issues is to give children the confidence to speak up when they feel something is wrong, and give everyone a comprehensive understanding of the dangers of the internet so that they can better asses how they wish to use the online platform.

Enhanced Community

             Online communication currently is the best source for the continuity of a community. It is unsafe and unfair to be meeting up in large gatherings outside of a small bubble or required non-remote work. Computer mediated communication has allowed friends, peers, and co-workers to stay in instant communication regardless of physical location. Now, more than ever, having a sense of community is meaningful to have. Now many companies understand which positions need to be in person and which ones could continue being used as online work. This can be an opportunity for all sorts of people to live they way they want to. Individuals may feel empowered to start families because they can stay home; while others can feel free to pick up their lives and travel the world in a van because all they need for work is an internet connection. This creates endless possibilities for individuals to feel complete and satisfied with their lives, simply because online communication has allowed them these new opportunities. Many people fear that the lack of face-to-face communication creates a collaboration stun. However, being creative on an online platform in a digital age can only help to enhance a community as well as create new interpersonal communication opportunities and connections.

References

Soldatova, G.U., & Rasskazova, E.I. (2016). Adolescent Safety on the Internet: Risks, Comping with Problems and Parental Meditation. Russian Education and Society, 58(2), 133-162