Metrics and Analysis: LJ2

  After reading We Are Data, I was really able to grasp and understand how invasive the internet can be and how algorithmic processing is used. Although I am aware of the surveillance and data the government has access to, I usually seem to ignore it over time. When making a phone call, its made clear when you're being recorded on your phone so it's nothing unusual but when you understand how much data is really being stored can be a little gut wrecking. There really is no true privacy and no one likes to feel like they are being monitored throughout their daily life. Everything we post and search is monitored and used in a form of data and all of this data is being interpreted in their own ways rather than who we are. This article states " online you is not who you think you are." (Cheney, J. 2019)  This is scary to think about because we want to be able to control our own identities which we should have the right to but don't. For example, Google may refer me to a 30 year old man when in reality I am a 22 year old woman. This is a really odd concept to think about because the interpretation is based on what you search when the internet is a broad website for people to browse whatever they want. I think the negative part about this is just you being altered to what they want to believe about you. Cheney says, " Your search results and advertisements will be subsequently gendered and aged." (Cheney, J. 2019) This goes to show how much power the media has over you and this can actually affect your life in the long run. Knowing this makes me feel like I have no privacy but at the end of the day, I want to use the platform to my advantage without worrying what others will think because thats inevitable, but I will definitely be more aware from now on. Professional networking is really crucial and you want to be in a good standing always so I wouldn't share anything that can jeopardize your future in that aspect.

Cheney-Lippold, J. (2019). Introduction. In We are data algorithms and the making of our Digital Selves (pp. 5–6). essay, New York University Press.

Hands-On Assignment 2

Social networking is a an online platform that allows us to connect with others around the world or build our own network. This is a tool that can be used by everyone because everyone has access to the same platforms so I think its best to take advantage. I also believe the idea of connecting and meeting others so simply is a very powerful thing and without media, there would be no virtual form of connection. The websites I use are Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Facebook. Majority of these apps I use for entertainment and browsing but these platforms make it easy and addicting to use. They are programmed to connect you to people around you and who you might share similarities with. LinkedIn is a professional networking form that I mainly use for employment services. Although there are other employment websites, I enjoy this one the most because it allows me to show my skills and milestones for future employers and you can find great opportunities with major companies. It's also one of the most trusted websites for employers since the platform is so popular. I do not use it as much throughout the year as I mainly use when seeking employment but its definitely my go to app that I trust the most. Another favorite social networking of mine that I use regularly is WhatsApp. This app allows you to connect with others outside of your country and the features are completely free to use. This platform can be life changing to some one who regularly pays to contact a friend or family member outside the country. I have family in Colombia that I am able to reach out to and I genuinely believe this is one of the most useful apps created. I believe social media does affect your own-being as well as friendships. It can promote very negative feeling and thoughts if your worried about what others think and I have personally felt pressure when using some of these apps in regard to what my families and peers will think and that is something that is always in the back of my head when I am going to share something. I also feel joy making connections with friends and being able to connect with a large amount of people without having to be too direct or outgoing as you would in person.

How I Perceive Social Media: LJ1.

  Social media can become very addicting to many and can personally affect someone in both positive and negative ways. I think it's very important to recognize your own intentions with social media and make sure to create boundaries as needed. I believe social media platforms are great ways to connect with others and allow others to get to know you. I would also recommend using these platforms as an advantage to understand and learn about things happening around you. When I previously mentioned creating boundaries, I believe you should always be aware how your feeling and not allow social media to impact your mental health. When I first started to engage with social media, I did not take social media seriously and I expressed myself and thoughts carelessly. Now, I am more on edge and responsible with what I am posting and how it might affect others. Everything that you allow others to see or learn about yourself is constantly judged by your family, peers, and possibly working professional workers wanting to know about you, so it is very important to recognize how social media can really affect your present and future. I used to focus on platforms that consisted mainly of ways of communication such as Facebook and Snapchat. Now, I seem to engage with platforms that are more informative and expressive such as Twitter and Tik Tok. I wish I would have known how much social media can engage you and affect ones mental health. It is easy to constantly compare your life to others and I have learned that what you see is what others allow you to see. When it comes to self-image, posts such as selfies can be seen as competition and bring out a toxic side to social media. I do understand that a lot of people feel like they have a standard to uphold, especially when social media is your main source of income. From my perspective, I believe the best way to engage with your audience is to be the purest form of your self and post authentically. Always remember to be genuine and true to who you are.

Welcome to my blog

  Hello everyone!

  My name is Giselle Nieves and I am excited to get to know you guys. I am Puerto Rican and Colombian but I was born and raised in Tampa, Fl. The major I am studying is in Health Sciences with a concentration in Health Management and Health Information Technology. My favorite things to do in my free time is to sing and cook new things. Music has always been a passion of mine since I was little. I was in voice for many years and apart of band for 6 years total. I recently found a new interest in astrology and manifestation. Another interesting fact is I love to travel but I have a fear of flying. I have flown many times and have tried to overcome it but has not worked in my favor.

   The most professional work experience I have was working as a part time licensed pharmacy technician. I wanted to gain some experience working in healthcare and I believe that was a great entry level job where i acquired different skills. I am planning to work my first full time job in May of this year once I graduate with my Bachelors degree. My favorite social media service at the moment is Tik Tok. I can relate the most to other folks with everyday life videos and its an easy way to express your talents and become aware of other great talent around you.

   This is my first time creating a blog and I think this will help me to improve my writing skills and connect with new people. I don't have any experience reading blogs either so this will help me grasp a better understanding of how blogs work and the benefits from blogging. I like how this can help you speak your mind and express your thoughts without people judging your identity. This brings me to the part I dislike which is the fact that you can hide your identity and things can be kept anonymous which can be positive but also really negative if you are trying to build trust online.