Blog Post #1

Personal Learning Networks and Digital Identity

It is apparent that society has seemly logged permanently online. Now our work, school and personal lives revolve around social media. One could argue there is no separation between them as all identities can be accessed and found by anyone. Yet all three personal networks have different intentions, appearances and impressions of a single person. 

What does it mean to network using social media?

This leads to our first question, “what does it mean to network using social media?” Karl Spracklen points out that before social media  “people have always found a sense of community and belonging through social networks.” That continues to be the same although we have translated to an online format where connections can be made across the globe. Networking is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.” Networking using social media can be done with a variety of apps such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and Pinterest. We begin to create our own Personal Learning Networks to form online relationships with others in order to seek and develop new “knowledge and skills in a forever-changing world.” Following educators, influencers, and potential employers’ social media platforms is a form of networking new connections that wouldn’t have been possible offline. Slowing building a “communality layer (strong ties), a sociality layer (weak ties) and a connectivity layer (very weak ties)” online. I have found personal success networking on social media and ultimately landed a job because of it. Nicholas Fair excellently summarized that we should “consider ourselves networked individuals learning and living in a networked society.”

How are we motivated to participate in networked publics?

In short, social media is professionally motivating as it

  • supports the development and growth of professionals’ careers
  • allows you to find appropriate, constant support when the need arises
  • links to new trusted partners when dealing with changing business priorities

Additionally, the personal aspect of community building and participation. It is extremely motivating to have the opportunity to make new friendships and celebrate them online. Having access to information about upcoming events, shops, and lectures. 

What are the risks & rewards of public communications?

With the understanding and power of social networking comes equal power of consequences. 

Rewards:

  • Potential for collaboration.
    • The possibility of personal and professional relationships translating into future connections and opportunities. 
  • Potential for learning. 
    • Expanding your knowledge by accessing educational platforms that would otherwise be inaccessible. (There are even online Harvard classes free to take to the public!!)

Risks:

  • Privacy 
    • The constant tracking, posting and presence online lead to an obvious lack of privacy. Data is constantly collected from every platform you visit, how long you spend there, what you engage with and so on. Even more so, this data is sold off to third-party platforms which you have no control.

References:

Rajagopal, K., Joosten-ten Brinke, D., Van Bruggen, J., & Sloep. P. B. 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

Spracklen, K. (2015). Identity-Making and Social Media. In: Digital Leisure, the Internet and Popular Culture. Leisure Studies in a Global Era. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137405876_6

What is a personal learning network (PLN)? FutureLearn. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2022, from https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/learning-network-age/0/steps/24644