Networking using social media means that people can interact and share contents with the public online through digital devices.  Computers have been playing essential roles which lead the society to move forward at a faster pace since they were first invented last century.  Social media creates much convenience for people when networking since it enables people to interact and respond more quickly, effectively, and synchronously. Social media has changed the way of learning, interacting, communicating and many other aspects of our life.   .

There are a variety of platforms that enable people to learn and engage online. Such as email, text, and video chat etc. Usually, the first step is to  set up their own PLN. Then people can add more contacts whom they want to share contents and engage with to the platform. Moreover,  it is significantly necessary to interact with the contacts often in order to maintain strong and tied relationships. Furthermore, people can learn and participate using mediated platforms more efficiently with a lower cost since there are more resources on the internet.

It is natural and essential for people to participate in networked publics. Effective communications and connections can help people build a healthy, positive, and professional relationship with each other. In addition, Participating in networked publics could also help learners develop themselves with the essential skills they need; and also receive required knowledge from professionals and experts in order to succeed in their career. Moreover, people regularly interact with others whom also share similar interests and views in life. It is comfortable for people to spend time interacting together who all trust and share common visions with each other. Furthermore, people are able to share their thoughts and feelings to the network publics to release the pressure and make themselves relieved.

It is undeniable that there are various of merits of public communications. First, public communications create convenience and allow learners to access the essential information at a low cost. People no longer need to spend extra to acquire exclusive information. Moreover, with the development of our society, public communications enable people to obtain the necessary practical skills which could benefit people in many aspects in life. On the other hand, there are also some risks that are associated with public communications. For example, cyber violence has been playing a huge role in suicide. From the past, we see many celebrities and public figures attempted or committed suicides from the internet violence.  In addition, many people suffer tragic  losses from network fraud. It could result in unfavourable consequences to the victims whom were attempted fraud activities on. Last but not least, It is sometimes also a waste of time to participate in non-useful public communications. In conclusion, public communications could both benefit and hurt people, we should be extra careful in order to prevent the losses and maximize the potential of public communications.

 

References

https://firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/3559/3131

https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/learning-network-age/0/steps/24644

https://ojs.library.queensu.ca/index.php/surveillance-and-society/article/view/networked