For our final project, my group explored various ways to utilize a PLN and looked at how it differs on different social media platforms. Four platforms (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok) were researched to determine which one fits for personal use, growing a small business, promoting health and fitness, and eductors. We identified Twitter to be best for educators, Facebook to be best for personal use, Instagram best for health and fitness, and TikTok to be best for small businesses. Then, we created 4 comics to depict our findings of these varying platforms.
Through this course, I learned that PLN should include diverse voices, where people you follow should have different cultural/ethnic backgrounds, from various industries, and have opinions that are different than you own. This made me reflect on my own PLN and realize that I need to follow more people that are different than me (rather it be different interests, political views, age, etc.). Moreover, this course taught me that social media sites like Instagram and TikTok, which are considered ‘fun’ social media that are mainly for entertainment can also be used for learning. For example, TikTok has channels that make videos about psychology facts, day-in-a-life of a doctor, or tips on post-secondary education from undergraduate students, etc. This shows that learning can be fun and engaging. Going forward, I hope to utilize TikTok and Instagram to follow people I aspire to be, to learn more about their industry and career.
After taking this course, I begin to view social media differently. Instead of it being a method to connect with existing friends and family, I realize it has many benefits for learning. I want to use social media more for learning and create content that brings value to others. Furthermore, this course made me more aware of the content I post online and the type of voice I want to be in my PLN. Going forward, I would like to follow accounts that talk about inequalities, politics, and any other topics I am unfamiliar with. I also realized that I should be more critical of the information I see online; not everything you see is true and it is important to compare different sources. It is important to watch news that has different political views and compare information on the news with the ones I see on social media. By receiving information that is directly from the source (on social media), it can reduce potential misinformation or biases that are present in secondary sources (news).
Community communications go beyond blogs and social media shares, how does a PLN help and hinder the development of thoughts and ideas in discourse?
Social networks allow individuals to actively voice out their concerns and voice their opinions. As individuals do not have to go through mainstream media to announce what they want to say, people are able to share first-hand information that they have experienced to talk about the real story (Baker). PLNs can help amplify a message through sharing on social media and from person to person. People are able to directly post their thoughts and ideas online with others. As a result, others are able to learn about unique experiences and cultures that are not commonly discussed in mainstream media through social media and blogs. Baker mentioned in his interview that an indigenous teenage girl uses social media as a medium to promote tourism to their town. Her social media account helps the world see their community first-hand. However, PLNs could create confusion for people as there is an overwhelming amount of information out there. People have a hard time determining if an idea or information is legitimate and accurate, especially when there are conflicting information and ideas about the same topic.
How does the use of PLN raise awareness opportunities?
PLNs help “bring an understanding of [an individual’s] story and [their] family’s story” (Baker). Hence, the public is able to learn about unique cultures and experiences that are not commonly talked about. Moreover, people are able to become more positive contributors to society, by supporting and acknowledging each other in their PLN (Baker). This can be done by leaving positive comments that add to the discussion on a post. Furthermore, the complexity of a local nation can be put out there (Baker); people are able to learn the lifestyle and traditional practices of a nation. For example, indigenous influencers like @indigenous_baddie on Instagram and Tiktok make Tiktoks/Reels that talk about indigenous culture, history, and customs. People in her PLN are able to gain exposure to indigenous culture and experiences in Canada directly from a local. These types of influencers are able to raise awareness for indigenous rights and their point of view on current news and policies that affect indigenous people.
(Sephora)
What is the role of social media in education – whether it be classroom or community discourse?
Social media can be used as a tool for students to gain knowledge quickly through google search. Students are able to connect and learn from other individuals through reading blog posts, watching YouTube videos, and connecting on social media. For example, some common YouTube channel that helps students learn includes Crash Course, Ted-Ed, and Khan Academy. In addition, social media allows students to keep in touch with peers to share knowledge and ask questions.
With social media, indigenous voices can be heard in education (Baker). These indigenous voices can influence politics, create movements, and generate awareness for their culture. Social media creates a platform to allow everyone, regardless of gender, race, and age to share their experiences and knowledge with the world.
What are some problems or risks to consider with social media communications when discussing topics that may be uncomfortable but reflect needed change?
Risks that can occur when posting controversial topics include having potential oppositions and negative comments. People may be triggered by the message an individual posts on social media, therefore, they may become angry and leave negative comments on one’s post. They may even direct message the individual to talk about their point of view. Last year, I posted a story on Instagram about the “Defund the Police” movement. After making that post, a few people direct messaged me to talk about their opinion that opposes my own. At first, I was taken back by their confrontation, but after hearing their point of view I was able to understand the logic behind their opinion. I learned through this experience that it is important to be open-minded when hearing opinions that are different from my own. If I have not been willing to listen to the opinions of the people who messaged me about the topic, I would not have gained a new perspective on the issue. Secondly, in order to learn and discuss topics that are uncomfortable and need change, like Brad Baker said, “for true change, people need to be more vulnerable”. By making posts to talk about one’s view on an uncomfortable topic, an individual can learn new opinions and different perspectives about a topic from others.
Sephora. “Sephora Canada Amplifies Indigenous Voices with Its First-Ever National Indigenous History Month Campaign.” Cision Canada, 3 June 2021, www.newswire.ca/news-releases/sephora-canada-amplifies-indigenous-voices-with-its-first-ever-national-indigenous-history-month-campaign-874091316.html.
