Social Media; a balance of power.

Social media has power and influence in our modern society.  How do we balance this power for the greater good?

 I try to balance my academics, my work, my family, my friends and my time on social media. Often I check my workplace chat group messages. As a restaurant manager, it is important to know what the other managers and employees think.  We have to keep an eye on what they say in group chat because sometimes they share good ideas and solutions to problems as they arise.   Social media is a great way to collaborate with others when solving problems.  Sometimes I want to be marketing  for my business. I need to follow social media so I can make views for people watching. Social media is good advertising for any business.  I dream about opening my own restaurant in the future.  Right now I work at McDonalds and I know even McDonald’s uses social media for marketing. 

However, there can be downsides to our dependence on social media.  Do you ever feel totally empty after spending an hour scrolling through your news feed? Did you achieve anything from that? Did you accomplish any goals or make progress in that time?  We all are given the power of 24 hours daily and for many of us, social media regularly consumes at least half of our productive time awake.

So, right now we talk through social media daily. Anything you can think about can be shared on social media.  All the things now connect with media; the smartphone is like an extension of our hand and it connects us to the world.  Around the world, humans use social media everyday. So we have a great question now how can you balance your life on social media?

Some positives and negatives about Social Media use and Digital Citizenship awareness.

• Good thing : Sharing pictures easily.  
  •  Bad thing : An invasion of privacy.  
• Good thing : Cheap and accessible entertainment.
  • Bad thing   :  Identity theft. 
• Good thing : A place to turn to for advice.
  • Bad thing  :  Cyberbullying.
• Good Thing :  When social distance is needed because of the Pandemic.
  • Bad thing :  Real physical presence is necessary for healthy relationships.

Awareness and Advice:

The online world can be a place of power.  Power needs responsibility and balance.  When we use our power with responsibility this is called good citizenship. Online awareness makes a difference.

•  Don’t ignore negative comments.
• Apologize sincerely if you offend another.
• Don’t make false promises; be honest.
• Be polite.
• If something can be used against you, then take it out of the spotlight.

What is Digital Citizenship? 

https://www.iste.org/explore/5-competencies-digital-citizenship

The five competencies of digital citizenship

Inclusive:

I am open to hearing and respectfully recognizing multiple viewpoints, and I engage with others online with respect and empathy.

Informed:

I evaluate the accuracy, perspective, and validity of digital media and social posts.

Engaged:

I use technology and digital channels for civic engagement, to solve problems and be a force for good in both physical and virtual communities.

Balanced:

I make informed decisions about how to prioritize my time and activities online and off.

Alert:

I am aware of my online actions, and know how to be safe and create safe spaces for others online.