Self Analysis

Taking a class about social media during a pandemic has been an unexpectedly eye opening experience. At a time when many have been forced to virtual means in order to interact with family and friends, social media has become more critical to interpersonal relationships than ever before. At the start of the semester, I anticipated learning the basics of social media, the concepts that inform how the various platforms operate. I did not expect to dive deeper in to trying to understand not just the mechanics of the technology but how they influence our daily lives in ways that many don't recognize. I learned an enormous amount more from the discussions with my peers during the class that I would have ever absorbed from the readings alone. The weekly blog posts provided an opportunity to independently research different aspects of social media that I had never considered before. The short report was useful practice in conducting qualitative research which through I discovered new insights about those I interact with on social media in my personal and professional life. The class facilitation and group final project also provided me with a chance to flex my group leadership skills and help guide an effort that relies on many different parties to be successful. Through each exercise, I learned more about myself and the world the world I interact with online and practiced vital skills that will aid me in future professional success. I look forward to carrying these lessons with me as I take on the next semester, specifically in the course on social media campaigns.