What does it mean to network using social media?

Networking using social media occurs when an individual exchanges ideas, or simply just information, to another individual through a virtual network. Assuming that both individuals in an exchange of information or ideas would have similar interests, social media allows them to network due to its ability to connect millions of other people together in the most efficient manner possible. Take LinkedIn for example, a platform where an individual can filter through and connect (in real time) with an immense database of employers or employees – all while sitting at home on their computer.

How are we motivated to participate in networked publics?

I believe that people are motivated to participate in networked publics due to both social and occupational reasons. From a social context, they are able to connect with countless friends at times when they couldn’t do so in-person. This provides the opportunity for relationships to form – regardless of whether or not both individuals are friends, acquaintances, or strangers. For occupational reasons, individuals are motivated to participate in networked publics simply because they have to. Whether they like it or not, as time goes on, more and more technology (such as networked publics) will be incorporated into workplace environments, and for good reasons too. Networked publics allow for real-time exchanges of information between two parties which has led to more efficiency within the workplace.

What are the risks and rewards of public communications?

Public communications can be considered a double-edged sword in it’s ability to provide both risks and rewards to participating individuals. For example, public communications’ ability to connect millions of people can be positive in that can help solve a time-sensitive problem in the matter of seconds, but can also be negative in that anything an individual posts can be seen by those very same people; leading to potentially negative comments/criticisms. Another example would be public communications’ ability to simplify tasks; anything from getting groceries to finding a job. This can have positive impacts, the obvious one being that it creates a more efficient manner of doing things, but can also have negative impacts, such as promoting poor behaviour (e.g. no longer leaving your house to go interact with individuals in-person because you’d rather connect with others in a virtual fashion).