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What does it mean to network using social media?

Social media platforms today have greatly enhanced one’s ability to network with others across the globe. Creating a virtual platform for people to maintain or build relationships with likeminded individuals, making connections and learning from others has never been more accessible with the use of social media (Gutierrez, n.d.). 

In fact, social media has opened opportunities for individuals to educate themselves outside of the realm of the traditional educational system (Future Learn, n.d.). The ability to acquire information from others with one Google Search as opposed to a classroom has made learning attainable for many. It has also made sharing knowledge with others simple thus encouraging a collaborative environment for others to learn and grow from each other’s expertise.  

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How are we motivated to participate in networked publics?

Networked publics has expanded the realm of possibility for building, creating, and maintaining connection by making such task simple (Gutierrez, n.d.). During the Covid-19 pandemic we could see this in full effect (Future Learn, n.d.). From virtual calls with loved ones, to online work meetings and lectures held on Zoom, public networks granted people the ability to maintain social interaction from the confines of their home. It also allowed those who wanted to distract themselves from the pandemic an opportunity to learn new skills (ie. Baking bread). 

Moreover, it is a way to stay updated with world events. In some occupations this quality is essential (Rajagopal et al., 2011). For example, scientific research involves learning from fellow researchers and building upon each other’s work. Thus, staying up to date with the latest advancements is crucial. 

As humans we are motivated by social interaction and with a source as simple and convenient, it is not surprising that people are drawn to participate in networked publics. 

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What are the risks and rewards of public communication?

Public communication and its uses can be incredibly practical. However, with this comes some risks. 

Rewards	Risks
Staying in touch- Whether it is maintaining relationships with loved ones or staying up to date with world events, public communication helps sustain connection despite one’s location (Gutierrez, n.d.).	Privacy Breach– Accessing data and information has made one’s privacy easily networked. It is difficult to keep private information protected (Boyd, 2012).
Meeting new people– More than ever, people can meet likeminded people or those with completely different ideas online (Gutierrez, n.d.). A good example is online dating (ie. Tinder, hinge, etc).	Personalized advertisement: Advanced machine learning algorithms can feed off of private information acquired from the user in order to cater advertisement based on predicted interest (Boyd, 2012).
Professional advertisement- People can network and meet others in a professional setting (Rajagopal et al., 2011). There’s increased exposure to professional opportunities.	Plagiarism- Since information is so attainable it is easy for others to claim someone’s work as their own. Regulation of one’s ideas is difficult.

References

Boyd, D. (2012). Networked Privacy. Vol. 10 No. 3/4 (2012): Open Issue. https://doi.org/10.24908/ss.v10i3/4.4529  

Future Learn. (n.d.). What is a personal learning network (PLN)?https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/learning-network-age/0/steps/24644

Gutierrez, K. (n.d.). What are Personal Learning Networks?. Shift eLearning. https://www.shiftelearning.com/blog/personal-learning-networks

Rajagopal, K., Joosten-ten Brinke, D., Van Bruggen, J., & Sloep, P. B. (2011). Understanding personal learning networks: Their structure, content and the networking skills needed to optimally use them. First Monday, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v17i1.3559