Читать книгу Successes and Setbacks of Social Media - Группа авторов - Страница 26

Before going forward, it is imperative to name the identities that I hold as they play a role in social media’s impact and utilization. I am a Black cisgender man with a newly acquired identity as a first-generation doctoral student. Those are the most salient identities that have impacted my use of social media.

My journey through higher education began in 2011 as I entered my undergraduate institution directly from high school. As I moved through college, I relied predominantly on Facebook as my main social media avenue. I was able to instantaneously connect with offices on campus, administrators, and campus leaders. However, I recall using Facebook to keep track of social events, auditions, and determine potential social circles and roommates. The social elements of social media began to further entangle themselves in my everyday life. If I had been told that my academic and professional career would be tied to my evolution of social media use in 2011, I would have been highly skeptical.

It’s also important to note how my social media presence began, as opposed to how it is utilized today. In the beginning, my Facebook profile was reminiscent of most high school profiles: graduation photos, statuses reflective of teenage trials, and the occasional internet meme. I would like to think my current social media presence is more curated and strategic in comparison to my early years with these platforms.