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What does it mean to network?

To network using social media involves creating, building, and nurturing virtual communities between individuals online. Social networking opens up an infinite number of doors for like-minded individuals to be in touch. Networking includes a variety of platforms, each specifically designed to cater to the needs and goals of those using it. For example, Facebook is a social network that was designed for people to connect and share with family and friends online. On the other hand, Brightspace was designed for university students and professors to collaborate about assignments, tests, and quizzes. There are countless social networking platforms available today. Given the increasing prevalence of online collaboration across multiple domains of life it is nearly imperative to possess a certain amount of online presence in today’s society.

Motivation

The motivation to participate in networking stems from the magnitude of daily living that now depends on an online presence. Everything from banking to catching up with friends takes place online. In fact, there has never been more dependence on social networking than now. The recent chain of events resulting in the global pandemic has immensely increased our reliance on networking. Now more than ever it is essential that individuals have access to and are able to participate in social networking. The motivation no longer stems from  sheer interest, rather it is now a requirement to participate in networked publics in order to assimilate into modern day society.

 Digital identity  

Digital identity is the core of networking. It is the heart of interactions and the purpose behind the phenomena of social networking. Digital identity is the searchable body of work that represents you. It consists of tweets, posts, and uploads that showcase who you are. Digital identity can be cultivated through personal writing styles, photographs, creative designs, and more. The opportunities are somewhat unlimited given the diverse and complex media platforms that continue to expand every day.

Risks

Over the past few years the growth of the internet has transpired at such an intense speed that several aspects of society have struggled to keep up. These include ethical and legal standards that protect and value individual protection and privacy rights. There are several risks involved with digital identity and public communications and they mostly stem from limitations involving privacy and protection rights. It is imperative that sensitive information is protected, however, there have been implications of data leaking and hacking that have resulted in identities being stolen and private information being leaked.

Rewards

The rewards of public communications stem from the fact that the internet, digital identity, and networking has become extensively integrated into our daily living, and failure to participate in it will diminish one’s accessibility to important aspects of life. A strong social identity has been the key to social inclusivity, protection of rights, and economic growth. The online world has opened up an immense amount of opportunities from commerce to relationships. Individuals are able to monetize their greatest passions and interests through creating and selling content of all definitions. There are limitless opportunities for investments, business operations, entertainment platforms, and ways to stay connected with friends and family. 

A note about mental health

It is imperative to mention mental health when discussing public communications risks and rewards. Numerous studies that have been published in recent years that investigate the relationship between mental health and social networking usage. One study investigates how reliance on social media for social interactions pejoratively influences real life connections, and leads to isolation (Berryman, Ferguson & Negy, 2018). Furthermore, the American Associated of Suicidology stated that social media in all forms has a significant impact on mental health (Berryman, Ferguson & Negy, 2018).

Interestingly, computer scientists are now able to use quantitative techniques to predict the presence of mental disorders and symptoms associated with depression, suicidality, and anxiety (Chancellor & De Choudhury, 2020). This is promising new research that may monitor efforts, diagnostics and intervention techniques for mental health. Since 2013 research can assess depression, suicidality, eating disorder, etc. with a high accuracy of 80-90% without the use of in person clinical assessment (Chancellor & De Choudhury, 2020). Although the rise of social media has caused an epidemic of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, media models are being created to improve how social networking may increase users well-being.

 Personal vs. Professional 

There are two approaches to creating a digital identity online; personal and professional. Personal use may include posting photos and updates for friends and family to see. This could look like candid photos and opinions about who should be voted off Love Island. The intentions behind a personal identity is to share emotional or funny moments with an audience of equal playing individuals. On the other hand, a professional identity is cultivated for employers, professors, lawyers, advisors, etc. A professional approach can be looked at as a pre-interview where superiors or future employers are able to access a persons resume, education, previous accomplishments, and references.

These two approaches may converge in the online world. The internet is an infinite void where there is no concrete definition of the word ‘delete’. In other words, what happens on the internet stays on the internet. A simple google search of someone’s name can reveal Facebook posts from 2013. This means mistakes can stick with a person, and ultimately negatively impact their reputation. Critical thinking is imperative for the online environment. Digital platforms and identity  are a good representation of life long learning and critical thinking skills.

My take on networking

As a 21 year old university student social networking is an integral part of my daily living. I have watched the progression of social media devices, networks, and platforms develop from where they started to where they are now. It has been a unique experience to grow up in the era of rapid technological advances. Social networking and digital identities have opened up countless windows of opportunities surrounding career paths, hobbies, entertainment, communication, connections, and learning. They have also changed the way we interact as a society. I have had to create my own boundaries around social networking and it has been a journey to navigate the rapid advancements in technology. These boundaries include maintaining privacy through personal and professional accounts, limiting the time spent on certain platforms, and filtering the content I consume. The saying: “what you consume, you become” fits well with the zeitgeist of the era. I have learned the importance of taking everything on the internet grain of salt, and to seek out the most reliable information available. Critical thinking is the key to success in today’s modern world.

References

Berryman, C., Ferguson, C.J. & Negy, C. Social Media Use and Mental Health among Young Adults. Psychiatr Q 89, 307–314 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-017-9535-6

Chancellor, S., De Choudhury, M. Methods in predictive techniques for mental health status on social media: a critical review. npj Digit. Med. 3, 43 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-020-0233-7