Week1

  1. Networking has been transformed today because of social media platforms. Social media networking is about expanding oneā€™s business or social contacts/circles via the internet and more so, social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. It is the use of these internet-based Applications and sites to interact, have open dialogues and stay connected with family, friends, customers, or colleagues. Social networking may have a business or social purpose or both. It is about humanizing a social media brand and building genuine relationships with oneā€™s followers or like-minded people, and more so when one addresses them in their personal accounts like through their Direct Message (DM) on Instagram.
  2. ā€œNetworked publicsā€ is a space that forms because of the intersection of people, practice, and technology. It helps people keep in contact, share, and gather for social, cultural, political, and civic purposes. People are encouraged to participate in networked publics in various ways. The social media applications phone networks may have offers such as reduced data usage or good data packages. A lot of advertising of the networked publics on TV, radio, other social media Apps or billboards motivates one to participate. Today, most homes have WI-FI, which inspires many to join the networked publics. In addition, it is a growing trend used by family, friends, workers and schools, hence a person finds themselves in these spaces because they need to stay connected with others. The networked publics also has good features such as DMs that offer privacy, which motivates people to participate in the spaces.
  3. Public communications are a growing trend in this digital age. It is a trend that is a double-edged sword bearing both benefits/ rewards and risks too. Public communications keep people connected to others ā€“ expanding oneā€™s social and business circle. It is a good way of marketing a company or business because one can reach many people across the world. Public communications is an excellent way of keeping in touch with what is going on in the world; news and trending topics are posted hence a person knows current affairs. The downside of public communications is that it bears no privacy because anyone can see a post/comment. Another risk is that it leaves a person susceptible to hacking because of the accessibility. Public communications has destroyed the image, self-esteem and reputation of many because people posting nasty or hateful comments on oneā€™s post.