I have never shied away from social media platforms. I have heard the tales, witnessed the stories, and been warned about the pros and cons of presenting oneself on the internet. I have internalized those fears all while jumping off the edge into the muddied waters of social media’s seas. Nonetheless, recognizing the need to construct a shield and arm myself to the best of my abilities and the privacy settings provided to me.
Social media and me. We have been intertwined for as long as I can remember. I have sought out its algorithms to affirm, to define and to discover my own identity. Some accounts last mere months, while others undergo continual curation and growth. In the end, I have found a purpose for the social media platforms I now frequent: Facebook is the window into community and communication, while Instagram is the frame through which art and creativity reign.
Today however I’m left reflecting on how the relationship between social media and me will transform as an educator. What platforms will I expand to? How will what I post change?
ashleyadmoore
02/02/2021 — 1:50 PM
Thank you for sharing! I really resonate with feeling as if my life is woven with social media, growing up in a digital age but especially in such isolated times. I am thankful for the connectivity and expression that they allow but with a veil of skepticism. It is interesting hearing other perspectives.
tpenner
02/05/2021 — 10:17 AM
I also resonate with the idea of my identity being affirmed by social media. Especially when I was younger (around middle and high school) I definitely found a lot of my self-worth came from how I was perceived online. I’m glad I have grown out of this, but it’s something that a lot of teens are still facing, especially in our increasingly digital world.