Social Networking Sites

As someone who uses social media minimally, every sites seems similar to me. While the "purpose" of each of them differs slightly, the function of them remains the same-- express yourself. Twitter focuses on short tidbits, facebook allows space for people to share thoughts and events, and instagram provides a visual medium for either of these principles. Snapchat is slightly different in that there are rarely words and is typically used for humor.

Social Net'g

The benefits of forming a community are endless. The human race depends on the interaction and connection with others to grow, develop, and love one another. The internet has expanded this love and connection, and has absolutely increased the overall education of the world.  Of course, the new connections provided by the internet also create dangers, just as any new technology has. Security breaches and cyber bullying are just a few of the dangers the internet has created/enhanced. The work force has also become more competitive with the internet because of the instant search engines employers are given when searching for new talent. According to Frank Langfitt with NPR, employers' searches are easier than ever with the simple click of a button to access thousands of potential candidates as well as the social engagement of said candidates. The Atlantic Wire highlights the privacy issues many face with an article showing the vulnerability even the Zuckerbergs face n maintaining the privacy of their family life.

Creativity

The internet allows creative people to flourish by providing a way for the to design, collaborate, modify, create, produce, draw, paint, write, mix, arrange, develop, and orchestrate whatever they can dream possible. YouTube is the central hub for many creatives today by providing an outlet to teach and share their creations and discoveries. Surprising to many, according to The New York Times,  Disney has yielded their stronghold on copyright material in order to promote their productions and allow others to share their "voice," if you will.

Privacy

Real privacy exists for few Americans today because of the ever present connection to the web. Data collector and sellers are given free range to our data, including our phone numbers, email addresses, address, even Social Security number with very little effort on their part. This information is bought and sold countless times without our knowledge at all. Though there are efforts to make these transactions more transparent to consumers, there has been little progress. Much of the responsibility to be private fall on the shoulders of the consumer to be aware of when, how, to whom, and why their information is needed and whether or not they should give it. Unfortunately, achieving privacy in America also requires some level of sacrifice in the modern social world. Communication between "friends" is often reliant on seeing where people have visited, photos of life events, information about education and work, daily activities, and other pieces of information regarding their personal lives and choices. Reducing the display of these things often leads to a reduction in interest and contact from certain people. Those whose career depend on this kind of interaction are bound to suffer and, therefore, cannot afford this kind of sacrifice.

Advice to College

If I were hired by my college to "revamp" their social media, I would first create a central hub promoting central, easy access to all students. I would link all social media (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter...) accounts to this page ad organize them by purpose--namely, by student organizations, career center, school departments, campus events, and important dates. I would then divide this central hub into different functional sections. There would be a rotating panel on the side with the main current event from each organization and easy directions for students in need of recreational assistance.

I would lead a petition to install new screens in each building highlighting the rotating panel reflected on the website.