Blog 5

• Identify the risks and benefits of engaging with a public audience in a media space – what are the risks for a public figure or person in a position of trust (educator, lawyer, government official)?

Interacting with the public audience in media space can bring many benefits to individuals. First, it can increase visibility. It provides a platform for public figures to show their professionalism and interact with the target group, so as to improve their recognition and favor among the target audience. Second, it can improve their own business value. A high number of fans and interaction will attract some businesses or activities, which will bring them personal profits. On the contrary, there will be some disadvantages. First, we are very concerned about the comments on the Internet. Once we accidentally praise or forward some posts with vague views, it will arouse the disgust of the target group. Second, others may create fake social media accounts to attract fans to pay attention to them, which will cause losses of money or other interests.

• How to best address negative replies and critiques reflective of your personal values and employer social media policy?

I think public figures can clarify those reasonable doubts in time, but ignore those unreasonable dislikes. This is because almost no one can get 100% support.

• How do notable individuals use social media?

I think notable individuals should be more cautious when using social media. Because they have more influence, negative comments will have a negative impact on some fans or teenagers. This is also a damage to their own reputation.

• What are the benefits of being in the public eye and having a PLN?

It encourages people to use the Internet to communicate and provides a shared environment for everyone. This helps people to accept, understand and share more different information. This increases social opportunities and helps people better understand each other and communicate effectively.

• Building community with online tools provided by the employer can be limiting, what are the perceived restrictions and benefits?

The advantage of using online tools provided by employers is that they can keep in touch with colleagues and superiors more directly. And this tool is often secure, and there is no fraud and theft of information. But the disadvantage is that there will be fewer functions and a small scope of application.

• Delivering information in a connected society requires verifiable resources, how to build a PLN to rely on?

To create a verifiable PLN, we need to ensure that the published information and speech are true, rational and free of extreme behavior. In this way, it can show a professional and reliable side, and then give a good impression to the target group.

• How do those, who are veteran storytellers, minimize risk in sharing misinformation?

First, they will repeatedly confirm whether the information they share is true, professional and up-to-date. In addition, they will avoid using too absolute adjectives, which may give readers some excessive guidance.