Social media is a mechanism that is swiftly inflating, particularly with younger generations. Social media is accessed daily, by individuals, businesses and organisations across the world. The content of social media comprises of, however is not limited to; blogs and micro blogs, social networking, specific content based communities (Social Media Presence , 2015) talk back- discussion forums and personal webpages. ((AHPRA), 2014). Now in 2016, we are surrounded everywhere by technology and social media in its many diverse formations, in fact it has become almost impossible to escape it. The Australian Bureau of Statistics demonstrates to us the severity of online and social media usage amongst the youth of today and the task that it is utilised for; stating that, (92%) of people aged between 18 and 24 years of age preferred Social networking over other activities. ((ABS), 2016).
…show more content…
In this reflective report I will be deliberating both the advantages and disadvantages of social media and discussing the way in which I currently participate in the use of social media and how it will vary with my altering role as a nursing student into a qualified and successful registered nurse and future health professional. In continuance, being a part of the new ‘virtual generation’, I personally utilise a diverse assortment of social media networks and engage in them for an array of reasoning’s. Some of the accounts and applications that I access entail of; ‘Facebook’, ‘Facebook Messenger’, ‘Instagram’, ‘Snapchat’ and ‘Twitter’. These media accounts are used frequently, and are considered popular amongst the majority of internet users. Typically these sites are for updating online profiles, to keep up with social trends and to share and receive user- generated content, entailing of; photos, videos, personal thoughts, feelings and beliefs. The motives I have to access social media accounts include; to contact, connect and communicate with friends and loved ones as well as for business and educational purposes. For example I routinely use ‘Facebook ‘and ‘Facebook Messenger’ to interact with study groups, both now at University and throughout my schooling, as many individuals embrace it as a popular way to share results and findings. I do not often post statuses and updates, regarding my personal life or social life on the above accounts, unless it is news that I wish to share with my friends, family and followers. However I do read posts habitually on “Facebook” and “Instagram” in order to remain updated on the latest news and trends. In my forthcoming career it is crucial that I am respectful and responsible when engaging with social media, I apprehend the need for confidentially and that it is an essential part of my role as a nursing student and in my future career and sustainability as a registered nurse. A number of beneficial prospects exist for the integration of social media into the world of nursing, such as; encouraging nurses to interact with patients in a new way, to educate other nurses and the public through sites such as ‘YouTube’ and ‘Facebook’, to contact other professionals, easily gain health specific content that enables nurses to stay engaged in the profession. (Walden, 2011). More importantly social media can assist in the caring and monitoring of patients, an example of this is; a new mobile app that has been designed for users with diabetes and encourages them …show more content…
Conversely to this, whether Social media is viewed for personal, educational or business orientated purposes, users still need to be aware and remain cautious of how they engage with social media and what type of content they are viewing and posting, and to realise the potential ramifications of their actions. This is particularly relevant for health professionals, and individuals in any profession for that matter, as when online, information and data can circulate at an alarming rate. Therefore Nurses and Midwives should remain thoughtful of their postings as it can be observed by anyone, even on the highest privacy settings and in turn this can interfere and ultimately affect current and future careers and the way others view us in a professional manner. Over all, this reflection piece has greatly expanded my knowledge and has provided me with valuable information that will assist me in my future career as a health
In this reflective report I will be deliberating both the advantages and disadvantages of social media and discussing the way in which I currently participate in the use of social media and how it will vary with my altering role as a nursing student into a qualified and successful registered nurse and future health professional. In continuance, being a part of the new ‘virtual generation’, I personally utilise a diverse assortment of social media networks and engage in them for an array of reasoning’s. Some of the accounts and applications that I access entail of; ‘Facebook’, ‘Facebook Messenger’, ‘Instagram’, ‘Snapchat’ and ‘Twitter’. These media accounts are used frequently, and are considered popular amongst the majority of internet users. Typically these sites are for updating online profiles, to keep up with social trends and to share and receive user- generated content, entailing of; photos, videos, personal thoughts, feelings and beliefs. The motives I have to access social media accounts include; to contact, connect and communicate with friends and loved ones as well as for business and educational purposes. For example I routinely use ‘Facebook ‘and ‘Facebook Messenger’ to interact with study groups, both now at University and throughout my schooling, as many individuals embrace it as a popular way to share results and findings. I do not often post statuses and updates, regarding my personal life or social life on the above accounts, unless it is news that I wish to share with my friends, family and followers. However I do read posts habitually on “Facebook” and “Instagram” in order to remain updated on the latest news and trends. In my forthcoming career it is crucial that I am respectful and responsible when engaging with social media, I apprehend the need for confidentially and that it is an essential part of my role as a nursing student and in my future career and sustainability as a registered nurse. A number of beneficial prospects exist for the integration of social media into the world of nursing, such as; encouraging nurses to interact with patients in a new way, to educate other nurses and the public through sites such as ‘YouTube’ and ‘Facebook’, to contact other professionals, easily gain health specific content that enables nurses to stay engaged in the profession. (Walden, 2011). More importantly social media can assist in the caring and monitoring of patients, an example of this is; a new mobile app that has been designed for users with diabetes and encourages them …show more content…
Conversely to this, whether Social media is viewed for personal, educational or business orientated purposes, users still need to be aware and remain cautious of how they engage with social media and what type of content they are viewing and posting, and to realise the potential ramifications of their actions. This is particularly relevant for health professionals, and individuals in any profession for that matter, as when online, information and data can circulate at an alarming rate. Therefore Nurses and Midwives should remain thoughtful of their postings as it can be observed by anyone, even on the highest privacy settings and in turn this can interfere and ultimately affect current and future careers and the way others view us in a professional manner. Over all, this reflection piece has greatly expanded my knowledge and has provided me with valuable information that will assist me in my future career as a health