Network is one of the biggest forms of communication our society has today, whether this communication is virtual or not. Networking allows for people to form personal or professional connections and it is a good way to promote oneself to the community. When I first think of the keyword “network” I immediately think of the interconnection among individuals on social media networks. Individuals on social media are constantly promoting themselves to the online world. People have the ability to exchange the specific information they would like to exchange with each other. However, there is also an exchange of information that happens behind the scenes of networking social media apps such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc. Since these apps display things we find appealing, we must ask ourselves how these networks are aware of our wants and needs. We discussed in class whether likes, on Instagram for instance, is a form of networking. I personally think that likes and comments are a form of networking. These app developers are aware of the posts we like and comment on and they show similar posts of things we have liked, knowing it will catch our attention. People who like and comment on similar things instantly form an online connection and therefore community.
3 thoughts on “Marielle Dibbini: Network”
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I agree that networking is a good way for people to form personal or professional connections in a community. I liked your example of social media as a network. Social media is a great way for people to connect from across the world that otherwise would have never met. With networking on social media, I think of the work between influencers and businesses. Businesses can discover influencers through Youtube, Instagram, or TikTok and partner with them to generate brand engagement and drive sales. This networking is reciprocal in benefit as the influencers are often paid, receive merchandise, and grow their following and personal brand in the process.
I completely agree with the concept of networks forming communities since most communities comprise of people with similar interests. Social media has forced us all to be in some sort of network whether voluntarily or involuntarily. I also liked how you explored the idea of marketing through networks. A good example is the people who like and comment on a specific social media posts. the marketing agency of the online platform will continue to provide you with similar posts in order to catch your attention which will later be converted into sales through ads.
I agree that social media has created prominent forms of communication throughout our society today. As we continue to use multiple social media apps daily, we are actively placing ourselves into different networks and communities based on the content we interact with. I also agree with the idea that it is very interesting to think about how these app creators are obtaining this data about what we like and comment on. Up until recently, I haven’t thought much abut it. However, after discussing it in class I have now become hyperaware of what is going on behind the scenes of these apps.