Social Media is Leaving a Lasting Footprint on Today's World [CM 270: Blog Post #1]

By Marriah Boyd

    The world of social media is riveting, exciting, and ever-changing. In a world that is growing to be continuously dependent on technological advancements and applications, social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have become staple anchoring points in many individual’s spheres of communication. As more people become members of such apps, there has also been a noted shift in the way which not only individuals communicate, but also how organizations communicate with their publics. It is this influence and power of social media that fascinates me so.

Social media is changing the playing field – changing who and what gains fame based on trends or lucky happenstance. Likewise, social media, if used with precise technique and strategy, can also aid in the quick creation and development of one’s personal brand and/or global image. Social media allows the world to get a snapshot view of what individuals would like the world to see about themselves. For instance, do you believe in practicing sustainability and, in turn, want your friends on Facebook to recognize your alignment with environmentally conscious habits and values? If so, you may choose to repost or curate your own content that reflects those views. With so many social media platforms that can reach unique and diverse audiences, social media offers a distinctive opportunity for people to promote themselves in the manner of their own choosing. This is what makes social media not only interesting, but – as aforementioned – riveting, exciting, and ever-changing.

In taking CM 270: New Media Communication, I aspire to acquire a comprehensive knowledge about how to best plan and publish digital content and media that effectively reaches my intended audience, whether it be towards developing my personal brand or an organization’s brand. Similarly, by taking this course, I hope to see my social media savvy evolve beyond basic understanding. I want to grow a deeper understanding of analytics when figuring out my communicative voice on digital media platforms. Social media seems like it is here to stay. With each year, new social media trends and apps become popular. If social media is to stand the test of time, I want to ensure that I can utilize it best so that I can gain the skills necessary to ensure both myself and the organizations I work for remain “visible” in today’s world.

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