Final

And now, we are already at the very last part of #MANG2049. It has been a fulfilling 12 days and I’m really surprised how this module has inspired me within this short timespan. In this 12 days, I was introduced to new websites I could use (which I believe will be very useful to me in the next 1.5 years while doing my degree, at least), how I could ensure the credibility of the information I have researched and even the different things I have to take note when creating/using the online profiles.

Prior to this module, I was rather conservative of having a professional online profile for my future employers, I was more on the personal side rather than the professional side. No doubt, I used websites like Facebook and Instagram but I wasn’t a user of professional online platforms like LinkedIn (I would say I don’t even know such things existed). I never gave my thought on putting up my profile on the web professionally and engage in groups to gain more insights of particular interest. Never did I knew that there’s an increasing number of employees are tapping on LinkedIn to find their potential candidates until this. I slowly came to realize platforms like LinkedIn can provide me with various opportunities to find available jobs that interest me and at the same time, for employers to notice my presence.

It’s time I start building my profile professionally on the web.

I know clearly it’s not something that I can complete over the night. I have to ensure that I stand out from my peers, from the others, for my prospective employers to notice me. I would transfer my CV on to my profile on LinkedIn and make connections with individuals of similar interest and qualifications. Thus, I created an account on LinkedIn and is determined to polish and update it regularlyto ensure that it is up-to-date.

Of course, I will not forget how I have to ensure that my profile is authentic and everything I mentioned on the web is true. It’s just a slight difference between being authentic and exaggerating. We can always create more than one account to show the different sides (read: professional and personal side). However, one thing that we will always have to remember: nothing is 100% private. I used to think that by putting my profile as private, no one can see my profile until I “approve” them to do so.

One should always be conscious of what is being put up online on their profile and strict filtering should be done. Just a minor mistake will be enough to ruin both you and your company’s reputation, putting both parties in the bad light.

I am really glad that we are given the chance to take up this module as it has really provided me great insights of the web. It is not as simple as what we usually deem it to be – to connect and communicate with friends. The web can be a place for us to meet new individuals with similar interest (which can be of great help both personally and professionally). Thank you everyone from #mang2049!

Here I wish everyone,

Source: Image

Have a good holiday!

Useful Free Information Perhaps?

And here we are, at the final reflection. It was really interesting to read the different viewpoints of my peers and also many of them introduced new platforms what I wasn’t aware of previously – Open Access and Coursera. (When free information was mentioned, the first web I remembered was Wikipedia) Both Open Access and Coursera provides free information to users, making it convenient for users to retrieve information they need.

Honestly, I was quite hestitant over the idea of free information at first. After all, there’s no free lunch in the world. How reliable can the information be? But having read my peers’ viewpoint, my stand started shifting. I also went exploring the platforms introduced by them.

And I think: Maybe there are people who are very willing to share their information.

As mentioned by Xiu Zhen, the most disavantageous for content producer is the cost > earning. However, on the other hand, they do save on publishing cost. (Which will cost a bomb) However, like I’ve mentioned, many may earn through advertisements. Personally, I feel that this is rather cliche and it really depends on how the content producer get their information. Of course, if alot of money is spent on research, I believe content producers would prefer to be paid for the information they’ve provided.

The advantages and disadvantages which Ruhuan mentioned is rather similar to my viewpoint as well. However, she has commented on my viewpoint which started me pondering. I have always had the mindset of free = low quality, while paid = high quality. I wouldn’t say that this is 100% untrue, but I strongly believe it is almost true. But Ruhuan has made me realise that even if one has to pay for the information, it might not be useful as well. And this will anger the buyer more as compared to them retriving it for free.

This is a rather debatable topic and I would say it really depends on situation and how one looks at it. There is no absoulte right or wrong in providing free information freely on the web.

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Read my comments on others viewpoint:

Xiu Zhen: https://cheexiuzhen.wordpress.com/2014/12/09/nothings-for-free-not-true-oa-is-for-free/

Ru Huan: http://ruhuanng.wordpress.com/2014/12/09/benefits-and-drawbacks-of-free-form-content/

Free Information?

Do you still go to the library to search for information you need for your project? Have you ever done so?

I’m sure all of us here belonging to the new generation – the generation who does EVERYTHING online. The number of people who visits the library is decreasing while the number of people who retrieve their required information is increasing.

 

However, what effect will it caused on the content producer? Is it to their advantage or to their disadvantage?

One prominent advantage is: Time-saving and Low Cost

Content producers (e.g. writers) need not source for extra funds in order for them to publish their books. A lot of time and effort is required when sourcing for interested parties to invest in their work, helping them publish into hardcopy books. By using an online platform, publish everything on the web with just one click. They do not have to worry about the sales of the books as well which is a common problem faced by publishers (especially if they are new to the market)

Furthermore, the internet can relay a message more efficiently and effectively than any others (word of mouth). Just a click (read: share button) can spread to everyone on their list. If an individual came across something interesting and he/she share it on their social media platforms, their friends be “informed”. And when everyone clicks the share button, it will be known to worldwide in no time.

However, this might not be all good too.

Afterall, everyone has different interest and viewpoint. There bound to be haters who will not agree to an article or website they come across and they might start sharing it negatively and influence others to believe that it is bad. The author’s reputation will therefore be ruined within hours with the share button. And they will never be given another chance to change people’s mindset. Furthermore, this can lead to cyber bullying as users do not see the effect and know the weightage of their words on the web.

Another problem content producers might faced is plagiarism.

Everything on the web is free for one to use.

Many people uses the information as if it belongs to them. No proper acknowlegment is given to the writer and everyone just uses the information as if its their own. These content producers will feel a sense of betrayer and their hardwork will not be known to people.

Will you make your information available freely on the web if you are the content producer?

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References:

Ministry of Culture, Community and Youths, 2013. Singapore Cultural Statistics [Online]

Available at: https://www.nac.gov.sg/docs/schemes/mccy_culturalstats_final.PDF [Accessed 9 December 2014].

Is there a better solution?

Initially, social media platforms were created with the idea of providing a place for one to voice their opinions and ideas on the web. However, in today’s world, these platforms are not just purely for one to share their opinions and ideas. Many start to abuse the uses like posting negative comments on the web which affects the reputation of an individual or even a company.

As mentioned by Ebrahim, “The usage of social media has increased at an alarming rate and that has caused a rise of very crucial issues such as cyber bullying.” I’m sure you will know at least one of your friend being a keyboard warrior, but do they know what’s the right ethics and the weightage of words that are used on the web? Many thought that they are free too comment on anything and everything they like and did not realize the consequences can be as bad as losing your job or even being charged in courts.

In order for companies to ensure they are up-to-date with today’s technology, many start to create a profile for their company an allow their customers to review their services/products and also provide their customer the latest update on the on-going promotions. But many have never thought of the negative impact created by just ONE employee that may affect the reputation of the company.

Previously, I mentioned that companies should filter the comments on their employees account dilligently. And usually, this will be done from the management team. However, I start to question if this is workable upon seeing the example of the nsensitive remarks made by Amy Cheong, the assistant director of NTUC provided by Ru Huan. Who will be the one filtering the comments from the management team? What would have been done if these remarks were made by lower-level employees in the company?

Is there a better way to stop these problems faced?

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Read my comments on my friends’ post:

DUTY OF CARE.

HEY! Are you a keyboard warrior?

Ehtical Challenge: Intergrity Risk

Image: Source

Social media websites allow everyone to share their ideas and opinions with a wide range of audience. Simple and convenient. As such, many companies are making use of these sites for business purpose as well. It blurred the boudaries between personal and work life and many employees are accessing these personal sites at work. A survey found out that social media is used for personal and work related activities by 95% of employees. (Institure of Business Ethics, 2011)

With such increasing statistics, companies are exposed to even greater ethical challenge for their business.

Intergrity Risk

Reputation of a company can be tarnished with just ONE irresponsible employee who either uses her own account or the company’s account. Take Nestlé as an example:

Image: Source

This particular employee who manages the content on the Facebook Fan Page posted an offensive comment in response to negative remarks by nitizens. This violated the business principle of integrity and their commitment to “avoid any conduct that could damage or risk Nestlé and its reputation.” (Nestlé, 2007) This angered many and affected the reputation of Nestlé greatly (Of course is the negative way)

Apart from using the company’s account, many do post nasty or negative comments of the company on their own personal account. To our dismay, this is much more difficult to control (yes, freedom of speech but please remember, be responsible). This will affect the intergrity and reputation of the business as well.

Any solutions?

Companies should provide guidance to employees on how to address the ethical challenges on social media. This policy should provide guidance in two areas: 1. employees‟ use of social media on behalf of the company, and 2. employees’ personal use of social media. (Institure of Business Ethics, 2011) Employees can be encouraged to apply high privacy settings for personal social media accounts. It should also emphasise on the need for employees to reflect on their responsibility to the company while being on the web. These policy need to be reviewed and communicated to necessary parties regurlary.

Some companies choose to screen the personal accounts of their employees to ensure all content posted are appropriate. However, employees should be informed on such acts and the reason behind it. There should be an agreement between the company and their employees.

Of course, all employees should practise self disciple. Everyone should be a responsible user on the web. Do not post contents that might affect your companies reputation. If found liable, the consequence for you will be very serious.

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References:

Institute of Business Ethics, 2011. The Ethical Challenges of Social Media [Online]

Available at: http://www.ibe.org.uk/userassets/briefings/ibe_briefing_22_the_ethical_challenges_of_social_media.pdf

[Accessed 5 December 2014].

Rick, B., 2010. Nestle’s Facebook Page: How a Company Can Really Screw Up Social Media [Online]

Available at: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/nestles-facebook-page-how-a-company-can-really-screw-up-social-media/

[Accessed 5 December 2014].

Apart from Credibility…

Creativity and credibility plays an important role. 

I still choose to standby this statement above when it comes to creating a professional profile on the web. However, after reading some of my classmates viewpoint, I came to realize that there are still other ways that can be of great help when one is creating a portfolio online for their prospective employers.

Consistency is IMPORTANT

Like what Charmaine had mentioned, being consistent is very important. And being consistent does help to increase one credibility. When one is consistent throughout, they tend to be telling the truth generally. (Of course, there are still exceptions – let’s ignore them) Therefore, employers will be less suspicious.

Keep your Profile Updated

Another point which Charmaine brought out, as well as Zoie, one must remember to keep their portfolio updated. Be proud of your achievements, make it known to others! Connect yourself to the professionals in the industry, show them your qualities.

But always remember, do not exagerate them.

Your employers will like to know the “real” you, nothing exaggerated.

Of course, there is no specific measurement for exaggeration. But employers will definitely know if your portfolio is genuiue. Don’t forget, many of them have been recruiting new candidates for a period of them, they are experienced.

Like what Corinne mentioned, as long as one project themselves well, employers will still be willing to hire you even without sufficient experience. 

I hope you are ready to start creating a professional portfolio that is authentic. Start creating your LinkedIn profile now. All the best!

You might also want to take a look at this article shared to me by Corinne which I found really useful.

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Read my comments on my friend’s post:

Charmaine: http://verycharmainemuchopinions.wordpress.com/2014/12/03/standing-out-amongst-the-5-4-million/

Zoie: https://crossingthought.wordpress.com/2014/12/03/professional-profile-yay-or-nay/

Number One: Credibility

Goodbye to resumes. Hello LinkedIn. *Waves*

Gone were the days we relied heavily on our boring black and white resumes. One will unlikely be selected as a potential candidate if all they submit is that piece of paper listing all their achievements and experiences.   In today’s society, many have turned to the webs to create a professional portfolio of themselves and even recruiters are using them frequently. 93% of job recruiters tap into LinkedIn to find qualified candidates. (Lance W., 2012)

Image: Source

However, how many of us know what is the most important factor we need to look out for when creating such profiles? Credibility? Creativity? 

Yes, creativity helps to make sure that your employers see you out of the many that applied for the same position. Your portfolio will stands out from the rest and therefore, be noticed. Recent studies have shown that “hiring managers and recruiters only spend six seconds reading a resume.” (Michelle L., 2014) Yes, just SIX seconds.

I am sure this video is familiar you most of you (read: my peers who are doing this degree with me). Think, how many of us will actually be able to come out with such ideas? These kind of portfolio will definitely stand out from EVERYONE (yes, I’m very sure about it).

But creativity is not the most important. Your credibility wins all. AUTHENTICITY

Authenticity is very very VERY important. I’m sure none of you like lies and so, we should definitely not lie.

Like what I’ve mentioned previously, be proud of who you are, every individual is unique. Your employers will like to know the “real” you, nothing exaggerated. The consquence of these lies is unimgainable, it’s not cool at all. Take Scott Thompson, former CEO of Yahoo as an example. He claimed that he has a degree in both computer science and accounting, only to be exposed that he did not attained a degree certification in the former. (Jay Y. 2012)

Of course, I’m not saying we should post every single things on your profile. Select carefully. Post only information that are relevant. Never never post undesirable things (e.g. inappropriate photos/updates) – not just your LinkedIn profile, all your profiles (facebook, instagram, whatever you can name) All these account are interlinked. Your employers will be able to find them even if you didn’t provide it to them. Like what Ruhuan mentioned, you do not want to spoil your reputation.

Is your portfolio authentic? Have your displayed professionalism on the web?

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References:

Anthony, G., 2010. Graeme Anthony C.V.I.V – Intro. [Online]

Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EzNll1U2N8

[Accessed 3 December 2014].

Lance, W., 2012. Heads up, LinkedIn users: 93% of recruiters are looking at you [Online]

Available at: http://www.cnet.com/news/heads-up-linkedin-users-93-of-recruiters-are-looking-at-you/

[Accessed 3 December 2014].

Michelle, L., 2014. How Employers Actually Look at Your Resume. [Online]

Available at: http://www.hercampus.com/career/jobs-internships/how-employers-actually-look-your-resume

[Accessed 3 December 2014].

Jay, Y., 2012. Dan Loeb: Yahoo CEO Scott Thompson Is Lying About His College Degree [Online]

Available at: http://www.businessinsider.com/dan-loeb-yahoo-ceo-scott-thompson-college-degree-in-accounting-2012-5?IR=T&

[Accessed 3 December 2014].

A change in viewpoint?

Source: Image

Previously, I mentioned that having multiple identities will affect your professionalism. However, after reading a few viewpoints from my classmates, they mentioned that having multiple identities can help to show the different sides of an individual – professionalism and fun.

As illustrated on Jeanne’s post, many employers screen the prospective employees upon receiving the applications. And there are many who rejected the applications due to inappropriate posts on their social networking accounts. This does shows that having a seperate account to show the professional side of an individual is important.

It got me thinking:

Does employers only want to see the professional side? Or they would like to see the real you?

I would say that it really depends on what is being posted on the web. Of course, no employers would want to see inappropriate posts on their prospective employees account. Perhaps, one should practise self discipline and filter the things that should appear on their website(s). Like what I’ve mentioned, “It is important to be yourself both online and offline. Do not share things you are not comfortable with online.”

Sherdale’s viewpoint did provided me new insights as well. She mentioned about the advantages of having multiple identities does help to separate their private life from the professional field to avoid any misconceptions of the person off work and being anonymous does allow one to discuss sensitive topics on the web more comfortably. However, this may lead to cyber bullying which should not happened.

Personally, I would say it really depends on what is the purpose of having multiple identities. Creating accounts to show the different images of an individual is fairly acceptable. But what is not acceptable on the web will be multiple accounts created, showing the a completely different image of one.

One Identity? Multiple Identities?

In today’s society, it is very common to have multiple social media accounts. One recent study has shown that a person has an average of 2 social media accounts. However, in these accounts, how many digital identities of a person is being “shown”? One? Two?   What is digital identity?

It stretches from the certification of an individual to par- take in authentication-based transactions (e.g. managing an on- line bank account) to our online persona/s that are made visible through selective acts of self-disclosure, such as writing a blog or sharing our Facebook profile.

(Steven Warburton, 2010)

Everything you do/update on the web is part of your digital identity. Now, are you for or against have multiple identities online?

One Identity

“Having two identities for yourself is an example of a lack of integrity.” (Mark Zuckerberg, 2010)

I’m sure most of you are as shocked as I was, this statement from the founder of the well-known social networking website, Facebook, which encourages one to share as much information on the web.   I personally agree with Zuckerberg. Imagine the horror when you realized the person you know is completely different from what you see on web. One should be true to themselves and be proud of who you are, online or offline. It should not be some virtual character made up to impress or confuse others. The aim to share information on the web is to hope to meet people with similar interests and make friends. No one would like to meet someone unreal.

  “We went from a web that was interest-driven, and then we transitioned into a web where the connections were in-person, real-life friendship relationships.” (Poole, 2012)

Multiple Identity

Many argued that one is unable to have more than one identity on the web due to individual reflex system. However, with the advancement in technology, it is easy for one to be influenced and become someone completely different online.

Like what Corinne mentioned, one might find it more comfortable to hide their true identity online and interact with someone for fear that they might not be accepted as who they are. And some might want to avoid meeting familiar faces while others might like the idea of being “invisible” online.

However, having multiple identities may affect you especially in terms of professionalism. It might put you in the bad light and affect your employers impression on you. You might end up conflicting yourself when you have too many identites to handle. This will affect other’s trust in you too.

It is important to be yourself both online and offline. Do not share things you are not comfortable with online.

Be proud of who you are, every individual is unique.

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References:

Warburton, S. 2010. Rhizome Digital Identity Matters. [Online] Available at: http://digitaldisruptions.org/rhizome/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/rhiz08_DigitalIdentityMatters.pdf

[Accessed 1 December 2014].

Krotoski, A. 2012. Online identity: Is authenticity or anonymity more important? [Online] Available at: http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2012/apr/19/online-identity-authenticity-anonymity

[Accessed 1 December 2014].

Zimmer, M. 2010. Facebook’s Zuckerberg: “Having two identities for yourself is an example of a lack of integrity” [Online] Available at: http://www.michaelzimmer.org/2010/05/14/facebooks-zuckerberg-having-two-identities-for-yourself-is-an-example-of-a-lack-of-integrity/

[Accessed 1 December 2014].

Imperial College London., 2014. Chris Hankin: Digital Indentity. [Online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x0diwgmAzg

[Accessed 1 December 2014].

Kaya, Stefferud. 2014. Topic 2; Having multiple online identities – good or bad? [Online] Available at: http://kayastefferud.wordpress.com/2014/02/21/topic-2-multiple-online-identities-good-or-bad/

[Accessed 1 December 2014].

Visitor? Resident? Reflection!

Someone with social media account(s) = Digital Resident?
Someone without social media account = Digital Visitor?

How can we clearly define if one is a resident or visitor? Using the amount of time they spend on the Internet? Using the things the do while surfing the web? Using their reliance to the Internet as a gauge?

Till now, there are many viewpoints with regards to the digital world. We can’t have a precise answer of who’s right and who’s wrong. However, one thing for sure, like many agreed, we cannot use age to determine one’s position.

Similarly, Corinne used YouTubers and bloggers as an example to give a clearer view of what digital residents are like usually. It definitely act as a form of assurance that my viewpoint is correct. Ruhuan gave me a clearer view of how we could define and determine someone as a visitor or a resident. After reading their comments, I start to ponder if I should be classified as a resident completely rather than both a resident and visitor at times.

Like what Ruhuan mentioned, being a resident and visitor are not mutually exclusive. However, I’m sure most stands in between. Everyone can be both a resident and visitor. But there’s one thing for sure – technology impacted our world and we are all reliant on it in a way or another regardless of our position, be it resident or visitor, especially in the first world countries.

It was really nice reading the different viewpoints from my peers. It definitely gave me a better understand of the whole topic and I do hope that mine has helped in a way or another too.

That’s all for now, have a great weekend ahead!

 

Do check out my comments on the blogs:

http://ruhuanng.wordpress.com/2014/11/27/digital-visitors-and-residents/

https://corinnesim.wordpress.com/2014/11/27/are-you-a-visitor-or-a-resident/