How does social media use in public discourse potentially challenge advocacy communications?
As Aufderheidi and Clarke mention in Media and Social Justice, “public media will be media both for and by the public” (2019). Although there are several benefits to this, there are also cons when it comes to the spread of misinformation. For example, there are thousands of “influencers” on various social media platforms with a good amount of following. It is popular (and almost expected) for these influencers to advocate for a variety of causes, most commonly: social justice issues. A particular influencer may be advocating for a cause by raising awareness as well as sharing resources and information. However, in some cases, the validity of their information is questionable. Their intentions may be good, but they actually may be doing more harm than good via the spread of misinformation. This is where the challenge of advocacy communications comes in- the validity of it all. Some social media users may come across a certain advocacy post by an influencer they follow and instantly formulate their own opinion on the topic without doing any further research. It’s really important for social media users who are involved with advocacy communications to take that extra step in researching, but most times than not we trust the information that those influencers, celebrities, or even our friends, are advocating/sharing on their platforms. Additionally, as Shelley Moore mentioned in the course interview, social media is highly reactive, especially in the case where someone may be advocating for a topic that may be sensitive for some (15:07-15:19). One false statement curated by misinformation may cost someone their friends, reputation or even job simply from the way the online community reacts to their post. On the contrary, there are several other positive ways in which social media engages with advocacy communications.
How does social media engage in advocacy communications?
Social media is a huge outlet for advocacy communication to occur. So many people are given a voice to speak out and educate others on topics/issues. Social media also gives us the platform to have discussions, organize rallies, share stories, pitch ideas, and give us the chance to be informed (when done properly). Social media has single handedly expanded my knowledge and brought me awareness to issues. Most notable, social media engages so powerfully in advocating that we have seen world changing results.
How diverse is your existing PLN?
Currently, I would consider my PLN to not be super diverse and is quite limited. When it comes to social media specifically, I only really use it for socialization rather than for educational purposes. I am hoping to eventually create a “professional” twitter to be engaged within the community there.
Just as Shelley Moore discussed in “Don’t Should on Me: It’s not easy being NOT green” we need to work away from the 19th century ideal of education, where all students are taught the same way (2:15-2:20). While we work away from the 19th century, we are more and more entering an era of technology. Utilizing our PLN in productive ways to stay on top of what’s happening is so important. Even though the world is rapidly changing around us, having access to thousands of resources through our PLNs helps us to form and adapt ourselves into our best, most educated selves. This further helps us as teachers to be aware of new ways of inclusivity, through stories, discussions and other resources.
References:
Clark, J. & Aufderheide, P. (2011). “A New Vision for Public Media: Open, Dynamic, and Participatory .” Media and Social Justice, p.55.
Moore, Shelley. “Don’t Should on Me: It’s not easy being Not green.” Youtube, uploaded by Five Moore Minutes, 5 November, 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeRNhz0nGts.
Moore, Shelley. “EDCI 338 – 20 Minutes Moore.” Youtube, uploaded by MILLER, 30 May 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeSV0rUl1bA
