How does social media engage communications?

Prior to digital media, “public broadcasting, newspapers and magazines” were responsible for public communications within the community. This included sharing noteworthy achievements, political campaigns, and current news. Often easily controlled by one party or group of individuals, public opinion could be easily manipulated by a lack of information or influenced by praise. With the rise of digital media, came the endless resource of information from anyone who wanted to share online. While improving education and communication, it also allowed for freedom of information. Jessica Clark shared that she hopes this means that for “the first time in modern democracies, public media will be media both for and by the public” as opposed to “carefully culled op-ed pages aired carefully balanced views but creates limited participation”. Social media allows anyone to communicate and engage in academic discussions on important topics. Trends support this statement, suggesting that “connectivity, participation, and digital media creation will only increase” (Clark).

Aufderheide (2011)

How does social media challenge communications?

Although, this new age also brings new challenges. While freedom of information and speech has seemly become more accessible, the query of corporate greed from monopolies such as Google, Apple and other tech giants influencing digital media is worrisome. Such as the “fears that Apple will make our digital lives easy by taking away our creative choices and Google’s reach into every aspect of our lives” (Clark).  Moreover, encouraging people to participate in online debates and discussions poses an additional challenge. A balance is needed between “essential accountability in a healthy society, checking the natural tendency of people to do what’s easiest, cheapest, and their own private interest” (Clark).

Is it inclusive?

To ensure that social media remains an inclusive space, diversity is necessary. This includes not only equal opportunity to access the digital space but, open policies, supporting POC creators/educators and reliable platforms. 

Below I’ve included a list of inclusive measures from ‘A New Vision for Public Media Open, Dynamic, and Participatory’ by Jessica Clark and Patricia Aufderheide.

  • infrastructures for the new public media”
  • providing an accessible and reliable platform for public interaction, ‱ providing a toolset for public participation, 
  • setting standards and metrics to assess public engagement,
  •  developing a recommendation engine to identify and point to high-quality media, 
  • committing staff at local and national levels primarily to building public engagement with media and to partnerships to make it happen, 
  • tracking emerging technologies and platforms to assess and secure their potential for public media 2.0

What are the benefits of a diverse and inclusive PLN in social media sharing that understands where you are coming from with messaging that impacts the community?

Listening through the podcast with guest, Markiel Simpson, this answer became clear as he shares his experience as a building manager with BC housing. Simpson speaks of his experience and how his own diverse and inclusive PLN in social media has positively influenced his community. He shares that “the autonomy and more power not being bound to an employer in any of these spaces whether it be political or with your advocacy because it’s harder for people to try and hold you down” (Markiel Simpson). Having a positive space online has allowed for opportunities for growth, an objective view and accountability for those in leadership positions. 

Simpson (2021)

References:

Clark, J., & Aufderheide, P. (2011). A new vision for public media: Open, Dynamic, and Participatory. In S.C. Jansen, J. Pooley, & L. Taub-Pervizpour (Eds.), Media and Social Justice (pp. 55-67). Palgrave Macmillan New York. https://doi-org.ezproxy.library.uvic.ca/10.1057/9780230119796

Miller, J., & Simpson, M. (2021). EDCI – 338 Markiel Simpson. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsoDHGaXNNs&ab_channel=MILLER

Smith, C. (2021, March 29). The georgia straight: Anti-racist activist Markiel Simpson strives to ensure that Black Canadians… Markiel Simpson. Retrieved November 28, 2022, from https://www.markielsimpson.ca/post/the-georgia-straight-anti-racist-activist-markiel-simpson-strives-to-ensure-that-black-canadiansÂ