reid's blog

Open dialogues about media literacy and factual information can create conflict, why does this happen?

There are a couple reasons that open dialogues about media literacy and factual information can create conflict.

The first reason is due to confirmation bias. People tend to seek and interpret information in a way that confirms their preexisting beliefs and values. When discussing media literacy and factual information, individuals may selectively accept or reject information based on whether it aligns with their existing worldview. This confirmation bias can lead to heated disagreements, as each side may be reluctant to accept evidence that challenges their beliefs.

The second reason is due to misinformation. In today’s digital age, misinformation can spread rapidly through social media and other online platforms. When people encounter conflicting information, they may struggle to discern what is true and what is not. This confusion can lead to clashes as individuals passionately defend their viewpoints, even if they are based on fasl or misleading information.

What is the benefit of having a PLN that values media literacy

Having a personal Learning Network that values media literacy offers signifigant benefits through improved decision-making, improved critical thinking, and protection against misinformation.

A PLN that values media literacy will share reliable and factual information. This empowers individuals to make well-formed decisions in their personal and professional lives, ensuring that their choices are based on evidence rather than misinformation.

Interacting with a PLN that prioritizes media literacy encourages critical thinking. Members of the network are more likely to question information sources, assess credibility, and verify facts independently. This habit of critical analysis extends beyond media consumption and can positively impact problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Misinformation and disinformation are prevalent in the digital age. A media-literate PLN can serve as a safety net, helping to fact-check and debunk false claims. By relying on a network that values media literacy, individuals can reduce their vulnerability to believing and spreading misinformation.

1. Which social media platforms are beneficial in education?

Personal Learning Networks is an excellent tool for educators looking to grow through social media and collaboration. Social media can allow educators to build connections with like-minded professionals globally through certain platforms. Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest are three excellent social media platforms for educators.

Twitter allows educators to communicate with other educators, students and members of the public in real-time. The social media app allows users to engage in dynamic discussion through threads that can be used to share resources and learn new information from professionals. Furthermore, Twitter is very accessible and allows for access to the latest information.

LinkedIn allows educators to connect with specific people within a certain field. It allows educators to connect with colleagues, school teachers, and organizations. Collaborating with specific professionals, it allows educators to have the best information possible.

Pinterest is an excellent social media platform to share and learn lesson plans. Pinterest has a large database of teaching strategies, classroom organization tips, and creative projects. Educators can share unique ideas to create the best possible educational experience.

2. When working with the vulnerable sector, how does social media fit into professionalism and regulations?

When using social media to work with the vulnerable sector, it must be approached with caution. Groups, such as children, the elderly, and people with disabilities must be approached with caution to ensure safety, privacy, and the well-being of the individuals are protected.

Some guidelines to operate with the vulnerable sector includes, maintaining confidentiality, respecting privacy, adhering to the codes of conduct of the platform, and educating and training.

1. Identify the risks and benefits of engaging with a public audience in a media space – What are the risks for a public figure or person in a position of trust (educator, lawyer, and government official)?

Social media for public figures and individuals in a position of trust, curating their social media presence take on an added significance. Social media has become such an integral part of our lives blurring the lines between the public and private spheres. People in high positions must weigh both the risks and benefits of engaging with a critical public audience and the responsibilities that come with maintaining an influential online presence.

The benefits of engaging with a public Audience:

Social media gives people with a large audience a powerful platform to amplify important messages and connect with a large diverse audience. For public figures advocating for causes or organizations, this can lead to their message getting further and reaching a larger number of people.

Furthermore, it gives a public figure a chance to build trust and reliability by being able to communicate. We see public figures reply to followers on Twitter which give the figures a chance to display their personality and allows them to be well-liked. Showing personality humanizes them and makes their views more understandable to their followers.

The Risks of Engaging with a public audience

Misinterpretation and miscommunication can often lead to social media creating more harm than good. Often times on social media, messages can be misconstrued or taken out of context which can create negative feedback for a cause. Furthermore, there is a potential that a post may inadvertently offend or alienate people, which can also lead to a negative outcome of the person’s message.

Often times we see people of high stature cite incorrect sources, also known as “fake news”. This can also lead to more harm than good when trying to get a message across via social media. Citing an incorrect source can damage one’s credibility which can be difficult to recover from.

What are the benefits of a diverse and inclusive PLN in social media sharing that understands where you are coming from with messaging that impacts the community?

Social media has become a powerful tool for sharing ideas, information, and experiences. When it comes to establishing a PLN, embracing diversity and inclusivity is crucial.

A diverse PLN encompasses individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Interacting with people who have different perspectives challenges our own biases, enabling us to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the world. Diversity fuels creativity, sparks innovation, and encourages critical thinking. We can connect with professionals, activists, and educators who understand where we are coming from, and we create a supportive and empowering network that celebrates our unique identities.

An inclusive PLN embraces the quality of human diversity and ensures that everyone’s voice is heard and respected. When we share content on social media, it’s vital to be aware of our audience and the impact our messaging can have on a community. By considering the experiences struggle and aspirations of a diverse individual, we can craft messages that resonate and inspire. Inclusive messaging fosters a sense of belonging and encourages open dialogue, allowing us to address social issues, challenge stereotypes, and promote positive change.

By cultivating a diverse and inclusive PLN, we harness the collective power of shared experiences and knowledge. Through social media sharing, we can raise awareness about important causes, amplify marginalized voices and promote understanding across communities.

How would you create a PLN prior to engaging in a social media campaign on promoting environmentalism?

Using a personal learning network can help streamline the process of social media campaigns by helping promote engagement. Creating a PLN prior to engaging in a social media campaign should include the following…

1. Research and curate relevant content: You should research and be educated on environmentalism. Identify reputable websites, blogs, and social media accounts that provide valuable information on the topic. A collection of high-quality content, including articles, videos, and infographics that align with your campaign’s goals will help with engagement.
2. Connect with organizations and individuals: Identify influential organizations and experts in the field of environmentalism. Link their social media accounts, engage with their content, and participate in discussions. This will help establish connections, learn from their insight, and potentially collaborate with them in the future. This also increases the level of engagement required for your PLN
3. Create your own social media platforms: Establish a presence on social media platforms that align with your campaign’s target audience. Create accounts on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin. Share curated content, engage with relevant hashtags, follow related organizations, and participate in conversations. Regularly post updates about your campaign to raise awareness and foster engagement.

By researching and curating relevant content, connecting with organizations and individuals, and creating your own social media platforms, you can set yourself up to create a strong social media campaign. It’s important to continually update the content, foster connections and adapt the strategy based on feedback from emerging trends. With an effective PLN, you’ll be better equipped to promote engagement in promoting environmentalism.