So, if you're like me, you've never been a big social media contributor. As a passive user, I've engaged with several platforms over the years, mostly FaceBook, Twitter (although I did not have an account until this class), YouTube - I'm a big music fan and I like to watch videos that would be difficult to find elsewhere; I also like to read the comments attached to videos - you can learn so much - (PLN?). However, I've never really felt the urge to contribute and, thanks to this class,  I've recently been asking myself why. What are my motivations for remaining a passive user? In examining this question, I've come up with a couple of possible answers: (1) I may feel like others are covering topics that I would, and possibly in a more comprehensive and erudite manner; (2) I'm (mostly) opposed to commenter anonymity because I think it often hinders civility and productive discourse; and (3) most embarrassingly, when I have attempted to participate in the past, I usually get no responses, which to me, is the digital equivalent of blank stares. It's not a pleasant feeling, and it makes the attempt seem pointless. But that's just me. If other's find themselves struggling to participate online, I'd love to hear your reasoning!

Comments

  1. Amy Door-TMay 27, 2021 at 3:48 PM

    Hey Lauren,

    I'd like to link I'm somewhere in the middle when it comes to contributing to social media. There are times I contribute, but it's mostly pics of my kids or videos of my lifting. I don't tend to comment on other people's posts unless I really feel it's necessary. But, there are also moments that I am extremely passive, like now for instance. The past week I've barely had a social media presence, and I'm struggling to find any reason to post anything or look at what's going on. So, right now, I am struggling too. Even though we are passive for different reasons, I am right there with you, I can understand where you are coming from.

    I'm also trying to keep a "student" twitter and IG account separate from my personal accounts. This has proven to be a bit overwhelming for me. Could be the reason I've needed to take the break from social media. haha.

    Good Luck, and we will make it through!

    Amy

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amy Door-TMay 27, 2021 at 3:48 PM

    Hey Lauren,

    I'd like to link I'm somewhere in the middle when it comes to contributing to social media. There are times I contribute, but it's mostly pics of my kids or videos of my lifting. I don't tend to comment on other people's posts unless I really feel it's necessary. But, there are also moments that I am extremely passive, like now for instance. The past week I've barely had a social media presence, and I'm struggling to find any reason to post anything or look at what's going on. So, right now, I am struggling too. Even though we are passive for different reasons, I am right there with you, I can understand where you are coming from.

    I'm also trying to keep a "student" twitter and IG account separate from my personal accounts. This has proven to be a bit overwhelming for me. Could be the reason I've needed to take the break from social media. haha.

    Good Luck, and we will make it through!

    Amy

    ReplyDelete

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