Everyday is Social Media Day!

I was really surprised when I turned on my smartphone this morning and realized through my numerous social media feeds that today is Social Media Day. We spend hours each day on social media platforms interacting with others, posting pictures, communicating, expressing our views, and seeking subjects of interest, so today really feels just like any other day to me! However, having said this, today does present an opportunistic moment to recognize social media's impact on today's communications, and also reflect on how social media has greatly affected and influenced our lives over the years. Perhaps, it would be a good time to first take a trip down memory lane to see how our digital communication means have evolved. Appropriately, I have found this simple timeline that illustrates the evolution of social media.

Interestingly, postal services, radio and emails had remained somewhat relevant to this day, but as the digital culture becomes more sophisticated, technological companies and innovators will strive to create more efficient, effective and socially appealing platforms for the next generations. So, what are we exactly doing differently now? For a start, we now keep up with news around the world via mobile news apps on our devices, as well as through links to real time news reporting and experience sharing on social media feeds. When was the last time you picked up a hard copy newspaper or tune in to your local mainstream news station? We now communicate and collaborate more efficiently on social-networking platforms and using other related instant-messaging apps. When was the last time you actually felt the need to meet up with your group members to work on a project?

Social media has presented endless means for people to connect and engage effectively, regardless of time and geographic differences. Social media has also presented a "safe" and free environment for people to express their views and opinions without any shackles. Most importantly, social media is real time, 24/7, accessible anytime, anywhere, and does not cost a dime! This is, of course, just referring to an individual person's perspective, and there are many other ways of which social media can play a major factor in; such as politics, education, government, etc.

However, social media is not without its negative aspects. Social networking has spawned new ways for people to deride each other, resulting in what is known as "cyber-bullying". Social media encourages people to say and do things they would not normally say or do, perpetuating hate and evil at times. Good or bad, gloom or doom, one thing for sure is that the effects of social media are tremendous; it changes cultures, attitudes, society, and it is here to stay. Therefore, in commemorating Social Media Day today, we must remember how it can serve us positively moving forward, always welcome and embrace the technology in order to harness the power of social media and the communities out there in improving our lives!

My first blog!

Hi guys! I am really excited setting this up, my first ever blog of which I will use to share my thoughts, reflections, experiences and other relevant resources relating to Web 2.0 learning and performance. During these 6 weeks of learning exploration, do feel free to leave any questions, comments or suggestions on my blogposts, and I will gladly engage you as we journey through this learning experience!