Social Media-For Us, By Us

Abstract 
Social media is interactive communication. When speaking of the social web, Wikipedia contributors reference collective intelligence to describe this interactivity. Collective intelligence, they say, “refers to the phenomena of internet users getting together, sharing content, in order to create something bigger than one single person could do” (“Social Web,” 2011). The abundance of Web 2.0 applications make it incredibly easy to create, edit, and share user-generated content online allowing for even greater contribution to the collective. What we contribute, how we contribute, and why we contribute are pertinent points to consider when reviewing the impact of social media.

Treatment

Web 2.0 tools such as wikis, blogs, RSS feeds, and social networks allow users to contribute content on various topics and of varying type. This, of course, can lead to content overload as more and more people share information. Steve Hargadon (2008, Slide 67) suggests that the “answer to information overload is to produce more information.” While this is somewhat paradoxical, the impetus is to teach others how to be content creators, so that they are better consumers of content (Hargadon, 2008, Jul 25). In this increasingly changing landscape of learning, the role of educator remains relevant. It is extremely important that learners understand what to contribute and the impact their contribution will have to the whole. As educators we will no longer be gatekeepers of information, rather we will provide context and structure to assist in managing the information.

How and why we contribute to online conversations is motivated by various factors including interests and professional work. As a filmmaker I am interested in social media tools that help build and draw audiences to my projects. These tools must inform as well as encourage participation via feedback, sharing ideas, and contribution of funds. Web 2.0 has transformed social media from being solely consumption based to being participatory. Shirky (2008) suggests that people are as excited by the idea of producing and sharing as they are by consuming. Therefore, it is important to offer consumers the  possibility of doing that. How they contribute and what they contribute will be determined by how well the structure supports them doing so.

Conclusion

Web 2.0 has made technology easy and accessible with applications that spark creativity and encourage collaboration. It is through community collaboration and shared content development that we are creating a new framework of culture. This culture of information, openness, participation, innovation, and change are powered by our contributions. Social media is us.

Sources

Hargadon, S.  (2008, Jul 25). The Solution to Content Overload: A Thought Takes Flight. Retrieved from http://www.stevehargadon.com/2008/07/solution-to-content-overload-thought.html

Hargadon, S. (2008, Slide 67). Web 2.0 is the Future of Education. Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/SteveHargadon/web-20-is-the-future-of-education

Shirky, C. (2008). Clay Shirky Keynote at Web 2.0 Expo [Video file]. Retrieved from http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2708219489770693816#

 

Social Web. (n.d.) In Wikipedia. Retrieved February 27, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_web

Pie Chart image. Retrieved February 27, 2011 from http://www.patni.com/media/61396/web2_0.gif

Web 2.0 Image. Retrieved February 27, 2011, from http://csslibraryblog.blogspot.com/2007_01_01_archive.html