New Media/Social Media

Hi there!

This is my first experience creating and cultivating an online blog. I am really excited to use this forum in the context of our online Knowledge and New Media class. I feel as though creating my own blog will help me have a better understanding of what it means to create and distribute online media content. 

In my day to day life I use new media constantly. I email all day long at work, check Facebook® during my free time and refer to online news sources throughout the day to stay current on what is happening locally and around the world. I use online stores to shop and subscribe to Groupon® for deals on vacation getaways and spa treatments. All in all, my daily use of new media is virtually endless!

Social media is a huge part of new media. Now when news stories break there are constant perspectives from countless numbers of people who are immediately able to weigh in and cite their personal opinions on what is happening. Social media changes how I personally get my news and information. When I read an article on the internet, I am able to see how others view what has been written or their thoughts on an event that has taken place. Whether I realize it or not, my own opinion has been influenced by others who are participating in social media. Although I have my own personal beliefs, the world is a lot smaller now. Discussions on any range of topics can be done on a computer with people thousands of miles away. 

The accessibility of resources, information and discussion at our fingertips at all times is certainly convenient and can be very positive. However, when these resources are so readily available to us it can make it easy to become complacent. It is important to remember that we need to be selective about what sources we use and what social media opinions we adhere to. Allowing ourselves to drown in an overload of information is never good!