Be Social, but be You.

Click. Type. Send.

How much thought goes behind this simple sequence, as billions of us do it every day, depends on each individual. Some words are blasted into obscurity, to the reaches of the darkest internet space. Some hit their intended mark. Others, well, those words have perceived consequences.

This is the social media and virtual communities’ way of life.

More than half of the world now uses social media (58.4%). That’s 4.62 billion people. 424 million of those users have come online within the last 12 months. The average daily time spent using social media is 2h 27m. 1

It is virtual space that is relentlessly growing, and there are no borders (except for some government-controlled media countries, but even then, there are ways to circumvent restrictions).

What we now type and post is now eerily indicative of the ‘person’ we are, not what we may have felt in a fleeting moment. And this can easily be misinterpreted into a message you never intended to purvey. After all, it’s words without tone or specific composition.

But, let’s bring it up a notch. It’s not the scary space I present it to be. I merely wanted to provide a staunch reminder of the personal responsibility you have as your online ‘self’. Also, as a means of protecting your core identity to avoid getting sucked into a rabbit hole of ill-intention that never was, well, your intent. This is an algorithm, but we have the power to turn the message around by creating, and supporting, positive spaces for thought.

There are many examples of positive communities and accounts that are uplifting and supportive. Searching certain keywords is indicative of this. This is the kind of online community that MCE builds to support our graduates. A place to congregate, share experiences, and grow as a collective. No question is ‘stupid’, and all answers are welcome.

Our social media accounts reflect this level of positivity and support. Our network on LinkedIn is bursting at the seams with quality talent that contribute in their own unique way to the success of others. We reinforce the need for leadership on our Twitter account, and we back this up with facts and training opportunities to support our message.

As I like to say, we grow organically, over time with the right nourishment and patience. Your participation in social media and virtual communities will benefit from a similar approach. You’ll attract the right followers and find yourself supporting the right people for your social game. The right way takes time.

Quality of thought persists in all areas of life, online and offline. It may seem as if it is becoming more difficult to find, but it will always remain a viable option. Participation in a virtual space should never define who you are, as there remain too many variables that make us human that can’t be replicated by virtual realities and algorithms.

I like to encourage you to be part of our social space. Be you, be social, and help all of us grow together. For those already a part of our network, we’re all headed in the right direction.?

Shawn Lovegrove is a Marketing & Communications Specialist with Mohawk College Enterprise.