The social network is the ability to communicate regardless of limitations such as time and distance, allowing constant interaction between family and friends without real-world contact. Social media has a vast following and therefore is not only a great tool for social purposes, but many businesses are also now using this medium to attract customers by way of advertising. Social media’s ability to share information around the world, although an amazing and helpful tool, it also has the ability to spread false information as there are no regulations enforced to prevent this.
Through my own use of social media, I have found Instagram, Facebook and Youtube are my main sources of using the social network to stay connected with friends, family and with the world. In a business setting, I have encountered Instagram as the most impacting platform in its ability to present a visual representation and is one of the leading platforms of the decade. There are many social groups available through Facebook which can be very beneficial in study purposes in supporting the students and their concerns.
In this subject, I hope to grow in my abilities to use social networking platforms in a more professional setting to assist me in my library services career. I want to have further knowledge in this powerful tools ability to assist in the sharing of information needs of users. Additionally, I would like to have a deeper understanding of the impacts social media have on the way society receives and shares information and how this can impact social, political, cultural and ethical constructs.