Week 1 Reflection

 This week, I reflected on the array of possibilities that social media has to offer. The platforms can be used to do way more than scrolling through memes. They can also be used to promote businesses or teach others how to do specific skills. Social media has the power to convey information rapidly and efficiently. When done properly, instructors can use it to elevate their lessons and tools for teaching. 

Social media platforms can also provide opportunities to build communities for people to engage in a particular interest. The benefit of these communities is that there's a greater variety than what you typically would find in person.  These communities also contain people from a variety of backgrounds from around the world. People can find support from others that they would not meet otherwise. This is particularly valuable to those who have niche interests or going through personal struggles. 

Though there are an array of benefits to using social media, there are risks. For example, online bullying. People often take advantage of the anonymity of social media. This may lead to spreading rumors about others. They may say things that they normally would not say in person. 

In the article, Navigating Social Media: How Offline Ethics, Online Etiquette, and Protection Behavior Shape Self-Disclosure, the authors pointed out that anonymity of social media may also lead to people oversharing about themselves. This was something that I initially did not consider. However, I was reminded about posts on Reddit. There is a sub-Reddit called "r/AmItheAsshole". In this sub-Reddit, people share their personal struggles and ask for advice, often asking for confirmation if they responded appropriately in the situation they were in. There are also several Youtube channels dedicated to sharing Reddit stories. 

Facebook and Instagram users are also known for oversharing. People post photos of their children and families, degrees that they received, driver licenses, and car license plates. I've seen users post their personal phone number and address in public posts. Scammers can use this information to hack accounts or commit identity theft. Some people also report being stalked and threatened by people who found their address online. Therefore, oversharing poses a serious risk online. Again, social media has a lot of potential and much to offer, but it must be used appropriately and securely.