My experience using social media has been limited. When it started being introduced, I was quite hesitant and nervous to get any social platform because of the prevalence of cyberbullying, the vulnerability of sharing personal details about myself, and the possibility of that information being online and accessible to anyone. Although these concerns are still valid, I have seen the positive aspects of social media through my experience in using it personally, professionally, and educationally. Personally, I use social media because it allows me to stay in contact with my friends and family, especially when they are living in a different province or country. Second, although I rarely post, I can share pictures about my hobbies, travel, and accomplishments. Finally, I can follow my favourite track athletes and hockey players that are competing all around the world and see parts of their day to day lives. Professionally, I’ve seen the effects of social media used at my work. The small grocery store “The Old Farm Market” uses Instagram to promote products as well as posts pictures of staff members, with consent, showing off their favourite items. Educationally, I have used social media for presentations, staying in contact with group members and for projects. In grade 9, my English class had to get Instagram for a Shakespeare project. For each reading of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, I had to post a picture of a character with a summary of what they did throughout that chapter. Having to create a summary and being able to view other students’ Shakespeare posts helped with my comprehension of the play. I think Instagram and other forms of social media are beneficial to many, but using it in moderation is important to avoid getting caught up in the negative comments and posts.
