Social Media

Social media has become one of the greatest human fascinations in the history of  our existance. It has transformed the entire way many communicate between friends, within the workplace, or important world news. During my week of experiencing social media at a slightly professional standpoint, I found Twitter to be a very effective tool in striking interest within different fields of work, as well as, learning fascinating information about topics I was possibly pursuing a career in someday.

I chose Twitter as my focus of media to take part in because I already had an account, and was quite familiar with the way the system worked. I comfortably used Twitter through my week tweeting organizations and programs related to my biology major. I found that being associated with these organizations, and keeping tabs on them by following them I could be updating on certain important issues within the field of biology. I learned a lot about recent discoveries taking place in the plant world, and also tragic realities involving marine animals. Genetics was another focus I watch carefully, and scientist were making great progress everyday in that aspect. Oceana was a primary source of information for me within this assignment, and I could see how getting to know these organizations could allow one to become involved, make connections, and open up opportunities for a future career.

Social media, through Twitter or any other type of medium, doesn't just have the impact of networking, it can also bring people closer together, boost a mood, build relationships, or be a wonderful newfeed connection to the world. A variety of examples of all of these characteristics of social media can be found in the articles assigned for this blog. One imparticular talks about the happiness Twitter brings to ones life. I totally believe this because I know I have gotten the random tweet that brings a smile to your face from a quirky friend or loved one. On a global level, Twitter and other social media is being used between large coorporations, employers, and other people in a position of authority to communicate. This communication isn't just minimized to that company or workers, but to potential clients around the world. Social media has even been created as a toold for helping law enforcement. The ways in which these media sites are being contructed and carried out have expanded relationships from one hemisphere to the next.

Not all social media has been considered a great thing. Many situations have been documented where social media sites have contributed to unfortunate accounts. Relationships have been lost, job opportunities are refused, and in extreme but often cases people lose their lives due to cyber bullying. One case in the article "How Facebook Can Ruin Your Friendships" a person's relationships with friends/family were damaged because they payed more attention to their Facebook status than the friend in a coma from a car accident and sending their concerns. These are examples in which social media can be detrimental to personal, or professional means of one's life.

I definitely feel I have a better sense of how to go about my use of social media from doing this activity and reading the articles. There are so many ways in which Twitter or Facebook can help boost your status in this world. It can bring people closer together or help one to meet friends in school or at college. The articles opened my eyes to exactly how many people are using these websites, and how crucial it is to keep up with changing technology. There are certain aspects I have to monitor in my use with social media because future employers do look into these sort of sites. Harmful situations can arise from these mediums, and from these articles I am aware and can carry on in my social media journey in a successful and professional manner.