How likely individuals are going to continue with their created content and their network?

It is very likely that individuals will continue with their created content and their network if they have created strong and reliable connections in their network. By having these reliable connections, it motivates the individual to continue with their content as they know that there are others out there that will support what they do online. In addition, if individuals set attainable and realistic goals for themselves in their network, such as make 100 LinkedIn connections, this can help motivate the individual to continue creating and growing their online platform. Although, I agree with what Jesse added to our group discussion, in that the rise of micro-influencers will not stay that way for long. We are currently seeing a saturation of influencers online, and it is hard to keep up with all of these individuals, which is why I think there will eventually be a crash in these types of creators. Since there are so many micro-influencers out there, many of them copy the content of other creators, creating an echo-chamber of repetitive content.

Are the skills that they developed applicable in professional practices?

Social media influencers develop many skills that can help them get partnerships with brands. Lily mentioned in the group discussion how certain influencers can break the cycle of staying on the same platform and putting out the same content, to partnering with big brands. She mentioned how Emma Chamberlain, who was solely known for her YouTube videos, has expanded her networks to the extent that now she is partnering with a famous eyewear company and showcasing this partnership on Instagram, to creating a popular podcast on Spotify, to starting her own coffee brand that she promotes on Instagram. Chamberlain showed that using her YouTube platform really helped her pursue a truly successful career, now by working with several corporations and managing her own company.

Can your PLN be used to help professional development post-course?

Yes, your PLN can definitely be used to help with professional development post-course. Based on interactions that I’ve had in my research lab at UVic, everyone has prompted me to start using Twitter, as it is a platform that posts many job opportunities. I follow a marine biology career Facebook group, which spreads information and advice on how to improve your chances of getting into related jobs. I’ve learned a lot from this group, and many of them have also mentioned that they found their masters or PhD positions solely though Twitter. This shows how one’s PLN can be used to explore job opportunities, as well as showcase their own experience to others in their PLN that could attract the attention of potential supervisors and mentors.

As mentioned in the Wakelet Podcast, one of the interviewees mentioned how she was really able to grow professionally using Twitter (Wakelet, 2022). Had it not been for her Twitter platform, she would have never met the people she knows and collaborates with today, as well as never attend influential conferences. This is a clear example of how a PLN can really help kickstart one’s professional development, and help facilitate new introductions to potential colleagues and supervisors.

Can your PLN be relied on to open professional opportunities?

Your PLN can boost your exposure to professional opportunities. More and more, employers are using social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to spread the word about job postings as they know that their intended candidates are accustomed to using such platforms.

I learned a lot from this week’s reading by Del Giudice (2014), who outlined emerging online networking platforms. For example, Worldfloat has become a big hit in India, allowing individuals to have the opportunity to win money while networking, which is a completely novel aspect that has never been heard of in any other type of social media platform.

Social networking can be difficult in regions that tightly control the movement of information. However, new platforms can help combat this. For instance, there is a rise in microblogging in China, which allows for small amounts of information to be exchanged, and this is seemingly outpacing China’s censorship capabilities to limit the free flow of information. As such, this platform is helping provide the Chinese people with the tools to express free speech and potential networking opportunities even though there is strong censorship in this country.

References

Del Giudice, M., Della Peruta, M. R., & Carayannis, E. G. (2014). Social Media and Emerging Economies: Technological, Cultural and Economic Implications. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02490-5

Wakelet. (2022, August 11). The Benefits of Growing your Network & PLN! | #TheWakeletPodcast [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEa8JgAE_qM