Chapter 2: The Reality of Social Media

The reality of social media is harder than we think. Social media causes major social norms, fear of missing out, cyberbullying, and much more. During section 4 the book talks about social media etiquette. The book Essentials of Social Media Marketing states, "It's essential to conduct yourself professionally both in the business world and online. Your actions on social media are a direct reflection of your personal brand". Reading about this has made me realize a lot goes into what you post. I had a class today that said 80% of people are now looking up your social media before even possibly giving you an interview. It makes you realize that you have to be careful with what you post and the caution that comes with it.

Reading about these Do's and Don'ts of things on Social Media really makes you think about what to post before posting something and I am glad I have a better understanding of that. Now that social media is becoming more effective and more people are using it, it makes me realize that you do have to be careful about what you post. Because of social media etiquette, it ties into developing your personal brand. Reading about this has made me realize that I need to make a LinkedIn account. In today's society online exposure is something that we need to have access to. Reading about the importance of personal branding and the importance of having these accounts has made me think a lot about what I want to do in the   

future. 

Right now I am a communications major with a excercise physiology and public relations minor. Some jobs I am thinking about considering are Health/Sports Management, PR, or some sort of Wellness Director. Reading about all of the importance of getting yourself out there and the exposure for job opportunities has opened my eyes to many different opportunities. I am excited to continue to explore different options in my career field and get a good idea of what I want to do. For now I will continue to enjoy all of the classes I am in and learn more about what I am interested in. That's all I have fo now. See you guys soon!!

Reference

Charello, M (2025). Introduction to Social Media Marketing. In Student. essay. 

Making New Friendships: Freshman Year Friends

 

Hey guys! The past few days, I have been bored because we have been snowed in. Obviously, it is fun to have some free time and not have to go to school, but I am ready to get back into a routine. Since we have been stuck in our dorms the past few days, I have been hanging out with all of my friends. Today I wanted to talk about my friendship here and how they have made my time here at Onu so far. 

Coming to Ohio, I started off with just my roommate. Me and her played travel softball together, so we decided to come here and play softball together too. She ended up leaving after the first semester because it was not what she wanted to do anymore. Ever since welcome weekend I had made a few friends. Kattie, who was my roommate, was in a group with a girl named Dakota. She ended up introducing me to her during one of the games in King horn and we all became best friends. Another one of my best friends name is Ava. Ava plays on the softball team as well so we basically do everything together. Every since I became friends with Ava and Dakota, our friend group has expanded. We got introduced to Dakota roommate, Halley, and Avas roommate, Emily. Then we got introduced to Greta, Maddie, Skyla, and Ella. I am so thankful that I am able to have such good friends here. They genuinely have made my time here way better than I expected. 

My friends and I do everything together. We eat together, play cards together, debrief together, and just hang out in our doorms everyday. We all get along so well and have so much in common. My friends work ethic, personalities, and kindness make me become a better person every day. I have realized coming here that relationships with people are something that is so important. It is important that you branch out and meet new people. Having a strong friendship with people allows you grow and learn together. I hope that we continue to be friends throughout the next 3 years we are all together at Northern. I have truly found my people and I am super glad we all became so close so fast. 

I am sure you all can relate to having a group of friends or even if it is just one friend that you have a really good relationship with, and if you don't, you will find your people! I hope I continue to make memories with these girls and have fun throughout my college years. I am sure I will update you guys more on my friends and me, but for now that's all I have!!

How Social Media Has Developed Overtime

 Social Media has become a huge part of the society we live in today, and I am one of the very many people who fall into using social media probably way more than I should. Platforms like X, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram are all different types of social media platforms that we use to connect with others. In chapter 1, the book states that "Social media has become a powerful tool for social change by giving voices to those who were previously unheard and bringing awareness to important causes." Section 3 specifically stood out to me because I think there are a lot of pros and cons of social media. 

Social media is something that we all tend to be on daily. Whether that's doomscrolling, a way of communication, or even for work, we all are all using some sort of social media. With that come a lot of advantages and disadvantages. The book states that social media allows brands to be more visible, heightens customer service, increases brand awarness and much more. The book also states that social media could be a disadvantage, like opening brands up to negative feedback, unrealistic customer expectations, risk of accounts being hacked, and many more. With that being said, there is also an aspect of social media that involves relationships and the way people view one another. People portray themselves as someone they aren't when they post online. It is hard not compare yourself to people and wonder why you can't have "their life". I believe that over time, social media has become something bigger than just a way to connect with your friends and have fun. Social media can be used in multiple ways and has evolved tremendously over the years.

Right now, there is a "2016 trend" where you post filters, sounds, and photos of yourself back in 2016. This trend has made me realize how simple and fun all the social media platforms were a decade ago. Now everyone is so worried about how people are going to view them or if this will "blow up". Reading this first chapter has made me realize how much social media has taken over our lives in the past few years. I am curious to see how much more social media and AI continue to grow in the upcoming years, and I will for sure be talking about this more in my upcoming posts!!

References

Charello, M. (2025). Introduction to Social Media Marketing. In. Student. essay.

Beginning of Semester stress.... plus a recap of the past few months

Hey guys!!  I am officially done with the first week of the second semester as a freshman. I have been having a lot of different emotions about everything and how I am going to manage it all. I play softball, and we are in season now. I am super excited to get started and to get back on a schedule, but as you all may know, it is stressful coming back and getting new classes. We have to see new faces, meet new professors, and manage our workloads differently now. I have been a little stressed about managing school and softball. We have been having lift on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but we officially start practice on February 1st. 

It has felt a lot different second semester compared to the first. I think the excitement of being a freshman and all the fun activities really makes you not think about being away from your family for the first time. I am from Indiana, so it is about a 3-hour drive to Northern. With all the activities, moving in, new friends, and a new chapter in life, there was too much to think about when coming into school that first semester. I remember I was nervous but ultimately so excited to start a new part in my life. Looking back at the first semester, I truly have made so many good memories and great friendships. I had fall season for softball, and that was pretty busy. We practiced 3 times a week for 3 hours while having a lift 4 days a week at 6 am. Us freshman also had study tables every night after practice from 8-10 pm. It was for sure a lot to say the least, but I was so busy that it was a good routine to be in. 

 The month we had off during Christmas break was very relaxing. I was able to hangout with family and also get to see all my hometown friends. It is always nice to catch up with everyone since we all go to different schools now. Being back home has allowed me to just chill and realize I don't have to be on the go 24/7. It was for sure hard coming home and not always wanting to be busy because that is how I was here, but I needed to keep reminding myself that my body needs rest and it's okay to just lie around on some days. I was glad that I got to see all my family for Christmas and spend time with the people I love.  Like I said, I am in season now for softball, so I won't be going back home before summer. It was hard to leave, but I know they will be coming to visit me a lot. I'm sure some of you relate to the struggle of getting back into the groove of new things and finding new ways to manage everything in your life.

Anyways, that's all I have for now. I am super excited to see what is in store for me this semester, and I look forward to keeping you guys updated on it!!!