Social media has fundamentally transformed digital writing, shifting it from long, formal texts to concise, interactive, and engaging communication. Platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram require writers to get to the point, making every word count quickly. As Dan Lawrence explains in Digital Writing, social media requires writers to communicate purposefully and make every word count. This isn't just about condensing content; it's about creating powerful and precise writing that allows writers to connect with audiences in ways traditional writing often doesn't. As Greene, 2024 stated, "Social media, with its unique blend of immediacy, connectivity, and accessibility, has not only reshaped our daily interactions but also extended its influence into the realms of literature and societal discourse."
Moreover, social media brings a unique tone to digital writing, fostering a more conversational style. Writers address their audiences directly, making the content feel relatable and accessible. Social media requires that writers "convey meaningful thoughts and messages within a confined space, [which] has led to a brevity that emphasizes precision, conciseness, and the art of distillation" (The Writing Quarter, 2024). This shift has transformed social media into a space for dialogue, where writers constantly adapt to meet their audience's needs and interests. And they must make their point quickly.
Another compelling aspect of social media writing is its visual nature. For example, Instagram posts often blend text with photos, videos, or graphics, making content more engaging and interactive. "Writers on Instagram often pair their prose with visually appealing graphics or photographs" (The Writing Quarter, 2024). For students, this combination of visuals and text is more than just eye-catching—it teaches them to communicate effectively in a visually oriented world.
Analyzing Social Media through the MINDFUL Framework
When viewing through the MINDFUL framework to analyze a post on Facebook discussing women in programming, these are the things to consider:
Mindfulness:
Observe your initial reactions to the thread. How do the emotions, tone, and content affect your perception?
Reflect on the biases or assumptions you bring to this topic and how they influence your interpretation.
Intent:
Examine the intent behind the post. Is it meant to inform, debate, inspire, or critique an issue or content?
Think about how the audience might interpret this purpose. Consider responses that align or clash with the perceived purpose.
Narrative:
Identify the central story or stories within the thread. In programming, are there personal anecdotes, statistics, or broader cultural narratives about women? Is the narrative coming from a personal place?
Are there recurring themes, lessening barriers, the importance of representation, or calls for changes in the system?
Discourse:
What are the language style, tone, and communication examples used? Is the tone supportive, dismissive, or questioning?
Consider the discourse patterns, such as whether comments reinforce or challenge stereotypes and whether there's a clear power dynamic in the conversation.
Form:
Analyze the format: Does the thread use visuals, quotes, links, or other media to engage the reader?
Look at how the thread's structure influences readability, emphasis, and the overall message. How are responses threaded, and are they an extension, building upon, or a departure from the main post?
Language:
Look at specific word choices, phrasings, or hashtags, and are these empowering or marginalizing words?
Identify any verbiage, tech terms, or social media language that could shape understandings, potentially estranging or resonating with different audiences.
Applying this framework can extend your understanding of how posts and threads communicate their messages and influence readers' perspectives on women in programming and numerous other topics. Taking each step can help break down complicated online discussions into approachable pieces for examination.
Stop Being So Traditional!
So, we can all agree that traditional social media is our go-to! It's wonderfully addictive with all its captivating aspects, cool interactive features, and aesthetically pleasing interfaces. And we know the benefits it can add to a school system, individual schools, and the classroom. However, expanding into non-traditional social media platforms, like Dev.to (software developers' social media platform), can be particularly beneficial for students, especially young women stepping into computer science and other tech areas. Platforms like Dev.to offer a supportive, knowledge-sharing community focused on learning and collaboration. For female students aiming to strengthen their programming skills, Dev.to is an empowering space where they can ask questions, connect with mentors, and feel supported in a tech field where they are often underrepresented.
These platforms also help students hone technical communication, an essential tech skill. Students build clarity and credibility by writing tutorials, sharing insights, and explaining complex concepts, thereby connecting with audiences. "Informal learning environments exist outside the formal learning environments, which provide opportunities to engage students in academic disciplines without following the constraints of formal learning" (Kumar & Nanda, 2022.) Dev.to further supports students by giving them a space to showcase their work and create a digital portfolio. Having an accessible record o f their accomplishments not only gives them confidence but also provides a way for others to recognize and support their journey. Additionally, Dev.to encourages students to develop problem-solving skills and critical thinking through coding challenges and collaborative troubleshooting. For female students especially, these platforms offer a space to build confidence and tackle challenges head-on, supported by a strong community.
Finally, non-traditional social media platforms like Dev.to teach responsible digital citizenship. Dev. to's respectful, professional culture guides students in learning how to communicate thoughtfully, engage with others' work, and understand the impact of their words.
Platforms like Dev.to are not just another social media stop; they bridge learning and real-world experiences. They help computer science and tech students build essential skills in a welcoming, collaborative environment that readies them for the world beyond the classroom. Platforms like Dev.to offer a supportive blend of learning, mentorship, and connection, empowering students to build confidence, find mentors, and explore their potential in tech and digital writing.
References
Greene, W. (2024, February 4). The Influence of Social
Media on Contemporary Literature. Medium.
https://medium.com/@wilbur.greene/the-influence-of-social-media-on-contemporary-literature-3ebef32c28e4
Kumar, V., & Nanda, P. (2022). Social Media as a Learning
Tool: A Perspective on Formal and Informal Learning. International
Journal of Educational Reform, 33(2), 105678792210943. https://doi.org/10.1177/10567879221094303
Lawrence, D. (2021). Digital Writing: A Guide to Writing for
Social Media and the Web. New York: Routledge.
The Writing Quarter. (2024, February 29). The Influence of
social media on writing styles. The Writing Quarter.
https://writingquarter.com.au/the-influence-of-social-media-on-writing-styles/
No comments:
Post a Comment