Social media networking entails the act of forming, developing and maintaining relationships with others. Social media platforms allow us to do so with other individuals and groups. This could take form in many ways such as connecting with an old professor or advertising your business.

Social media networking can be helpful to nearly all kinds of people in many professional and non-professional ways. Some are motivated by monetary gain like businesses, others are there for the sense of community or self-expression, and others may be after a new job. The motives are just as diverse as the people holding them.

Public communications can draw attention to a brand, individual or cause. When used effectively it can even affect public opinion on certain topics, especially on a smaller scale. It also allows leaders of organizations to communicate easily with their subordinates and the public. While I believe public communication to be a good thing overall, nothing is without its cons. Public communication leaves oneself open to criticism by far more people than one may otherwise encounter. There are countless examples of individuals who’ve received heavy backlash from the public for things they’ve communicated publicly, such as Megyn Kelly, Charlie Hebdo, and Elon Musk to name a few. It’s also important to remember things cannot be removed from the internet anywhere near as easily as they can be put out there. In many cases, it’s effectively impossible.

For better or worse, social media networking is capable of massively amplifying one’s influence and connecting with other people. All things considered, it is a valuable tool for the modern person.