excerpts are excerptionally cool.
I’ve heard about the wonders of blogging and i heard it’s pretty therapeutic. Just a short reflection of one’s day, daily, can help make one more self-aware of his or her daily thoughts and decisions.
And since this is part of a ongoing school assignment, I might as well start blogging to see how I like it anyway.
Here’s to me blogging about my day for the next 30 days ( or more if i like it ).
Here’s to a new adventure!
Click here to view comic strip
(Source: Created by me)
Luckily for me, MANG2049 has taught me that managing my digital footprint has become a very useful skill in today’s context.
So how has my own digital behaviour has changed over the course of this module?
(Source: Created by me)
(Source: Created by me)
Mang2049 has taught me that in order to develop a professional digital profile, one has to carefully craft the content he posts since day 1 of account creation and continually be wary of his digital footprint thereafter. Thus I have put what I have learnt into action.
Here are the changes I have made to my social media profiles:
Personally, Facebook is one of my private, personal social media accounts that I use casually. However, I did update my details and ensure that anything I posted publicly was clean, just in case any future employer decides to screen me.
I really enjoyed the use of hashtags as it really helps to strike up a discussion on certain issues that are happening in our society.
WordPress
Before
After
Having my own blog has given me a new found respect for content creators who upload material often – if it was tough for me to write a new post everyday for 3 weeks, imagine what it must be like for content creators who do it for a living!
This is my favourite Youtuber, Casey Neistat – In 2015, he decided to make a commitment to vlog daily in order to push the limits of his creativity.
My favourite video from Neistat:
Content Creators like Neistat who consistently produce inspirational content are reasons why we should consider supporting Creatives!
Before
After
Topic 3 reminded me about the relevance of having a LinkedIn account as 94% of recruiters use it as a form of selection. Thus, I will be investing most of my time developing my LinkedIn profile for my upcoming internship.
Conclusion
In general, I have ensured that the all the photos and names displayed on my social media accounts are the same to ensure consistency. In addition, I have also taken steps to ensure that all the content that I post on the different platforms are appropriate.
Honestly speaking, I thought that developing my professional digital profile would only be relevant to me after I completed my degree. Little did I know, my digital profile began the moment I created a social media account. Before MANG2049, I was a relatively private person when it came to my personal life. Thus, I now have separate accounts for professional use. I intend to use these professional accounts to network for future job opportunities by joining forums and discussions regarding my topics of interests, and following professionals of relevant industries. However, I am not just a workaholic but also a fun-loving girl, thus I will display the more authentic side of myself by following my hobby-related interests and causes that I care about. Even though MANG2049 has ended, I will continue to practice the relevant skills that I have learnt into the workplace as a future marketer.
(Please take some time to appreciate my poorly mouse-drawn illustration, LI for LinkedIn)
(Source: Obviously me)
This module has been an interesting experience and I thank you all, lecturers & friends, for reading my posts!
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After browsing through many posts I realized that most of my classmates covered what Open Access is about – which is something my main post is lacking in. So, what is open access?
(Source: Created by me)
Open Access is a readily available library of free online articles that have full re-use rights.
Yong You’s post taught me about the pros and cons of Open Access, and stated Wikipedia as one of his examples. This is Wikipedia’s introduction page:
And when zoomed in it states that anyone can edit their page.
(Source: Wikipedia page)
The fact that anyone can edit the page means that some of the information provided on the site is unreliable and not credible. In fact, this article proves that 6 in 10 articles on Wikipedia have factual errors! After earning such a bad reputation, I definitely would not submit my articles to Wikipedia if I was a content creator.
Norman’s post also mentioned about Open Access and related his own musical experience with the concept. He talked about how he is grateful to have free access to online tutorials that taught him how to become a music producer, and expresses his support for open access by uploading his self-produced music that is free to download on Soundcloud.
In my opinion, I think we as internet users are so spoiled by access to free materials, that we have become desensitized to the amount of effort that have been put in to create such content. This is evident in the many cases where a big company approaches a professional for free work. We should definitely correct this mindset by embracing the fact that being a content creator is a legitimate occupation just like any other job, and give these people the respect they deserve. Say no to plagiarism and consider supporting these creatives!
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Check out the posts I have commented on:
References
In recent years, studies have revealed that consumers spend more time on the internet as compared to traditional media. Thus, many content creators have made most of their content free and available online. Unfortunately, this also means that a new set of challenges arise for these new-media content creators.
(Source: Statista)
(Source: Statista)
Firstly, who are Content Creators?
(Source: Created by me)
Content Creators are people who develop newsworthy, educational and entertainment material for distribution over the Internet or other electronic media.
By making their content freely available online for the internet to use, content creators will be able to:
Personally, I make it a point to reference research papers whenever I use it in my essay. The more people cite the essay, the more people acknowledge the author for his work!
(Source: Google search by me)
An example of this would be using a music sample to create your own song.
This is a song by Jamie XX, in which he features a sample from a song called Could Heaven Ever Be Like This by Idris Muhammad.
The sample can be heard from 1:00 to 1:26 of the music video:
By making their content freely available online for the internet to use, the content creator will experience:
A prominent example would be Freebooting – it refers to the act of downloading someone else’s copyright-protected material, often from YouTube, and uploading it into Facebook’s native video player.
If someone has stolen your work, they pocket the revenue that is garnered from the stolen content. And I quote the video:“ For a small creator, a viral video can mean the difference between a career and a hobby.” On the other hand, if content creators offer to make their work available for free, no one will be paying them to continue creating such content.
An example of how I would watermark my content.
(Source: Photo taken by me)
In my opinion, I am for free content as it allows me to further my knowledge with free educational materials. However, it is still common for content to get stolen despite measures taken such as watermarking. Thus, content creators should strive to develop a digital identity so distinct, fans would be able to recognize their works immediately. This is so as to deter thieves from stealing anymore content.
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References
To be honest, I found Topic 4 extremely hard to write as the the topic of social media is a vast one with many different aspects. However, I realized that because social media industry is now indeed a big one, naturally, many companies would try to leverage this power, some even going as far as to exploit it, leading to many unethical issues.
Who in the right mind carries a box of fruit juice around?! – an example of a failed campaign by Marigold
(Source: Naomi Neo’s Instagram)
Zoey’s post taught me about astroturfing – what it is and why is the issue important. She mentioned that 65% of brands participate in influencer marketing, and that they leverage of the power of social media influencers to promote their product as these people are deemed as “credible” in the eyes of their followers and shoppers alike. Astroturfing then becomes an ethical issue as these influencers are paid to give a good review for the product, which unfortunately means that they are deceiving their followers by not giving an honest review.
Yang Ting brought up an incident where Instagram advertised a site that promoted the sale of fake adidas sneakers, and concluded that Instagram should definitely be more careful in choosing who they advertise for.
(Source: Instagram Advertisement)
(Source: Actual price of the sneakers on Amazon)
Both Zoey and Yang Ting’s posts highlight how false social media marketing can lead to the deception of many followers. Personally, I have been aware of such issues happening, and the irony is that when i witness someone astroturf, I actually ignore their posts instead of feeling encouraged to buy the product.
Unfortunately, many of these incidents are unethical, but not illegal. Governments and companies should continually review their cyberlaws/terms and conditions, and make it mandatory for influencers to disclose all information about their relationship with the company or product. As a follower of many bloggers myself, I would much rather read a honest review than one that is staged and sponsored.
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References
Funny video, but this poor boy ran away in horror when he realized he was being watched. This is the effect that surveillance can have on human behavior.
As Glen Greenwald said during his TED talk on privacy, “The range of behavioral options that we consider when we think we’re being watched severely reduce.” He also mentions philosopher Jeremy Bentham, who designed the panopticon prison:
Jeremy Bentham concluded that when people experienced the fear of being watched all the time, it would be the “ultimate enforcer of obedience and compliance.”
The concept of the panopticon prison is very relevant today as many companies exploit social media to collect our personal data. But first, why are they even doing so?
(Source: Baynote)
In 2011, Acxiom, the largest data-brokering firm in the world, recorded a $1.1million sales from offering analytical services to their clients. Based on the data collected, they are able to deliver relevant offers and products and services that their clients will be interested in (Jason Morris and Ed Lavandera, 2016).
However, is there such a thing as collecting too much data? Based on the Singapore Personal Data Protection Act, data collected is legal as long as consent is given, and used appropriately. Then again, just because it is legal, does it mean it is ethical?
(Source: MailChimp)
As I have mentioned in Topic 2 reflections, Facebook makes it mandatory to exchange your personal information with third party applications in return for a free service. Many internet users do this often because they think that it is convenient and harmless.
Furthermore, E.L. Doctorow, argued that “it’s hard for people to assign a value to personal data when the full consequences of giving up that data are still unknown. How do you determine whether the privacy bargain is a fair one?”(Jason Morris and Ed Lavandera, 2016).
Which begs the question, what are the consequences? As we now know, big data is used to improve businesses and customer experience. However, the danger happens when a misuse of data occurs. “Data mining can actually open the doors to hacking, identity theft and stalking.”(Jason Morris and Ed Lavandera, 2016)
In conclusion, it is now the the norm for companies to collect big data through social media in order to improve businesses. However, companies should be more obvious in their efforts when prompting for data. We humans crave privacy. As we click on that consent button, not only we are just giving up personal information, but also the essence of our freedom as humans.
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References
Researching this topic has made me realized what great importance our digital profiles hold on the impressions others have of us. Of course, developing a professional digital profile that stands out does not happen immediately. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day. However, if done carefully over a substantial period of time, many doors will be opened and opportunities will be abound.
(Source: Pexels)
Elvina’s post taught me about how blogging, could be a optional yet valuable tool in helping me elevate my digital status. She talked about how through blogging, one is able to control the content that he wants others to see. As compared to a social media platform where your peers might tag you in derogatory posts, which might leave a negative impression on your digital footprint.
Charissa’s post taught me about how displaying authenticity on our social media profiles is key to gaining credibility. She also mentioned the concept of personal branding – which the ongoing process of establishing a prescribed image or impression in the mind of others about an individual, group, or organization.
(Source: Authority Alchemy)
Learning about the Personal Branding helped me to understand the concept of developing a professional digital profile better, as developing one is akin to “selling myself”. Questions I should ask myself when developing a profile would be: Am I displaying myself in a good light? Am i showcasing my talents on my profile appropriately? Am I being authentic yet consistent on my social media profiles?
Since developing a good professional digital profile has gained much importance in this day and age, maybe Governments around the world should look into educating people on this topic in schools and workplaces, so that job-seekers and employees will be able to create appropriate and professional digital profiles, meanwhile avoiding incidents such as the Justine Sacco tweet.
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References
Fresh out of university and figuring out how to secure a job? I have 4 tips to share with you on how to develop a professional digital profile. But first, why is this important?
A study by Jobvite revealed that social recruiting is now the norm, and 93% of recruiters actually use or plan to use social media to support their recruiting efforts.
Now, that’s a lot of potential employers you could possibly reach out to. So now that you are aware of the importance of a professional digital profile, let’s move on to the steps.
1. Do some housekeeping.
(Source: Jobvite)
Potential employees are always looking for reasons not to hire you. Firstly, ensure that your basic information is consistent throughout all your social media profiles. Having consistent information throughout your profiles can assure authenticity.
(Source: My Facebook & Twitter Profiles)
Secondly, ensure that you practice proper social media etiquette to maintain your professional image. Always be mindful of your language, and treat others as how you would like them to treat you. This article might give you some tips on how.
2. Showcase your talents.
If you are intending to pursue a career or is passionate about a hobby that is related to digital media, you should definitely showcase your works on your social media profiles. Remember, your social media profile is now akin to a resume, so you should not be afraid to show off your talents.
(Source: Timothy Mcgurr –@13thwitness on Instagram)
3. Create a LinkedIn profile
(Source: Jobvite)
Employers prefer LinkedIn as their main source for selection. Thus it is essential to create a good profile. Here are some tips that may help you:
This video will give you additional tips to help your profile shine:
4. Get creative with your profile/ online resume
It is good to have specialized resumes for the different jobs you are applying for. Do proper research on the company, and look out for the skillsets that they seek. A good example is Elski Felson – who noticed that Snapchat was hiring and decided to send his resume in the form of a Snapchat story.
I hope these tips will help you and your resume shine amongst the crowd in the fiercely competitive job market. Good luck and may the odds ever be in your favour!
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References
After reading the blogposts and comments of my classmates, I realized that whether one chooses to have one or multiple online identities, both options have disadvantages and one must carefully pick the lesser of the two evils.
(Source: http://blog.arekibo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/auth-dialog-example.png)
Zaidhan’s post mentioned about how Facebook users frequently use their accounts to register for an external application. During that process, Facebook actually shares the user’s information with the external company, before allowing the user to have excess to the application. I am definitely guilty of this. On face value, it is convenient for me and saves me time. But I’ve probably done this many times and who knows how many companies actually have my personal details stored in their databases! Assuming the account was my only online identity, this leaves me and my personal information extremely vulnerable and I should definitely be more wary of how I register for accounts online.
(Source: https://mondein.blogspot.sg/2016/03/socialmediaetiqutte.html)
On the other hand, Jacinda’s post talked about how as long as one is a responsible internet user, he does not need to care about the general views of others (eg:employers) as he could always choose how much he wants to reveal about his personal life online. I do agree with her views, but only to an extent. I definitely think that we should all behave like mature adults in the online world, exercising restraint with our actions, even if someone tries to provoke us. However, I respectfully disagreed with Jacinda, as even though an individual could be a responsible internet citizen, it does not mean that he is immune to the dangers of having a single identity, such as identity theft.
In conclusion, I would still definitely choose to have multiple online identities as I treasure my privacy, but would use my other accounts with maturity and discretion.
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(Source: Getty images)
In 2015, Facebook faced immense pressure from protestors(BBC News, 2016) after implementing their ‘Real Name’ policy(Newsroom.fb.com, 2016), where users were required to use their actual names on their Facebook profiles. Due to the rise in cases such as cyber bullying(Nobullying.com, 2016) and revenge porn(BBC News, 2016), it was implemented in hopes that people would be more accountable for whatever they posted online.
(Source: https://nobullying.com/cyber-bullying-statistics-2014/)
As Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg said(Krotoski, 2016),
“Having two identities for yourself is an example of a lack of integrity.”
(Source: http://cp91279.biography.com/1000509261001/1000509261001_1822909398001_BIO-Biography-29-Innovators-Mark-Zuckerberg-115956-SF.jpg)
It is evident in recent Facebook privacy (Electronic Frontier Foundation, 2010) changes that Mark Zuckerberg believes that one’s online self should be no different from his offline/ authentic self.
In fact, he is not the only one that thinks so. A study(Careerbuilder.com, 2016) has shown that 60% of employers in the US use social networking sites to screen job candidates. This means that employers feel that social networking sites are a reliable an accurate depiction of an individual’s authentic self.
However, are we truly being authentic on our social media profiles? In 1959, Goffman theorized impression management, which is a conscious or subconscious process in which people attempt to influence the perceptions of other people about a person, object or event. For example, I would present myself differently when I’m attending classes as compared to when I’m at a bar with my friends. Hence this means that I would naturally adjust my mannerisms, based on the context I find myself in.
This study(Bargh, 2002) also revealed that “one’s true self is more likely to be active on the Internet than face-to -face interactions”as revealing something taboo about themselves to family members or friends might mean that they being subject to judgement.
Thus, people aren’t actually being their true authentic selves on their social media profiles. Since social media screening is such a popular method for employment selection nowadays, people are more wary of whatever they post online. Simply put, they present what they want others to see.
Despite the downsides of anonymity as mentioned earlier, there can be benefits to anonymity. For example, many medical patients and mothers talk about their sensitive issues on this forum(Dcurbanmom.com, 2016), allowing for candid discussions without fear of getting judged.
In conclusion, I am definitely for having multiple online identities, as I treasure my privacy. My personal life and my professional life is separate. If there’s any sensitive information about me online, you definitely won’t be seeing it on my Facebook profile!
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References
After reading through my classmates’ posts, I think most of us would place ourselves in the middle of the spectrum between visitor and resident. As we are active on social media platforms, but only within a community.
Some of my classmates have mentioned Kim Kardashian as an example of a digital resident. I agree as she is an illustration for how one is able to exploit the power of social media by earning big bucks.
High-end celebrities like Kardashian have been known to charge up to thousands of dollars for such advertisements. However, what most of these celebrities fail to do is disclose the fact that they are actually being paid to do an advertisement for the company.
Not only is it a legal issue, but impressionable young followers might develop a inferiority complex and feelings of insecurity as well. They do not understand that celebrities are being paid to look perfect for the picture, but it does not mean they look like that all the time. Thus, their online personas are a inaccurate description of how they actually are in person.
Due of the false illusion of the glamorous celebrity lifestyle, this has inadvertently encouraged youths to try and live like them. As Lelia mentioned, Youths are subconsciously evolving to Residents (on the extreme spectrum) as they think that what they see on instagram is the norm.
Worst still, these youths might turn to social media to seek validation regarding their feelings of insecurity, which is in line with what Renee has commented regarding one’s esteem needs.
Hence, technology is definitely a boon when it comes to improving our lives for the better. However, we should definitely use it in moderation (stay in the middle of the spectrum), so as to be able to discern reality from illusion.
(300 words)
Check out the posts I have commented on:
References
Life on the web 