Social Media

This week we were asked to present a topic based around Social Media.  We chose to consider blogging, Facebook, social media campaigns and technology as a form of persuasion. I thought about myself in terms of all of these concepts and examined how often I utilize Social Media.  I found that I use Social Media to update me on up and coming events or topics, and use traditional media to confirm what I have heard, and gage accuracy.  Funny to think although I have learned about the biases in traditional media, I continue to consider the information as accurate and a confirmation of what is the truth.  A study I found from 2008, showed that 85% of respondents to a survey used social networking sites and shared that two years after it had dramatically increased – just imagine the amount for 2012 with the inclusion of Twitter.   This article looks at the contrasting use of social networking sites (SNS) as a Freshman to later use during a career.  As mentioned during our presentation, students typically use SNS for ways to confirm their identity, feel as though they belong, and assume that the more they put in to – the more they get out, redefine the concept of friendship etc.  In contrast to university graduates who need SNS as a way to market themselves to potentially make or break job opportunities.  Current laws share that possible employers are allowed to ask for Facebook passwords in order to confirm if they would like to hire or not.  Attached is an article sharing an instance where someone resigned their candidacy upon being asked for the password as an invasion of privacy.  As I will be graduating within the near future, I have taken down my Facebook account.  I do not wish to have this situation occur and would like to be evaluated based on my qualifications, experience, and impression. 

One thing I may do is while applying for jobs create a Facebook account that highlights myself in a way that would be of interest to an employer.  Learned in a Communication Ethics course, I saw how to design a site in which validates my professional interests, and is not overshadowed by my personal life.  Some examples we learned are to put job and education experience, have ‘Likes’ which represent an interest in your field – in my case Communication and communication disorders.  I could also display photos of myself while at school, or volunteering, in opposition to myself at the latest Drake concert sponsored by Coors Lite.  All of which, is something that differs greatly than my concept of Facebook during my first year in University four years ago.