• Chapter #03

• Digital technology & Civic Engagement

• •Prepared and organized by: Faisal Khan

• •Department of Chemistry GPGC Mardan

• Social Media & Social Networking

Social Media

Social Media:
History:
Founder: Social media is created by Andrew Weinreich.

1St site: The 1st ever social media site made was “ SixDegrees.com” in 1997.

Definition: Social media refers to online platforms and applications that enable users to create,
share, and exchange content, as well as participate in social networking.

Types of Social Media Platforms:

1. Social Networking Platforms: Examples include Facebook, LinkedIn, and Myspace. These
platforms focus on connecting individuals and professionals.
2. Microblogging Platforms: Twitter is a prominent microblogging platform where users can share
short messages or "tweets" with their followers.
3. Photo Sharing Platforms: Instagram and Snapchat are popular platforms for sharing photos and
short videos with followers.
4. Video Sharing Platforms: YouTube is the leading video-sharing platform where users can upload,
share, and view videos on various topics.
5. Professional Networking Platforms: LinkedIn is a professional networking platform used for job
searching, recruiting, and professional networking.
6. Discussion Forums and Community Platforms: Reddit and Quora are examples of platforms
where users can ask questions, participate in discussions, and share knowledge.

Purpose of social Media: People use social media to stay in touch and interact with friends, family
and various communities.

Tips for Using Social Media Effectively:

1. Know who your audience is.

2. Know Which Social Media Platforms to Use.
3. Have a personality.
4. Maintain a Singular Voice.
 5. Be active know when to Post.
6. Respect everyone opinions.

• Social Networking

Social Networking:

Definition: Social networking refers to the practice of expanding social connections or professional
contacts through online platforms.

Elements of Social Networking:

1. User Profiles: Users create personal profiles containing information such as their name, bio,
photos, and interests.
2. Connections: Users establish connections with others by sending and accepting friend requests,
following, or connecting with them.
3. Content Sharing: Users share various forms of content, including text posts, photos, videos,
links, and status updates.
4. Engagement: Social networking platforms facilitate engagement through likes, comments,
shares, and reactions.
5. Privacy Settings: Users have control over their privacy settings, allowing them to manage who
can view their content and interact with them.

Benefits of Social Networking:

1. Connectivity: Allows users to stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues regardless of
geographic location.
2. Information Sharing: Facilitates the dissemination of news, information, and updates in real-
time.
3. Community Building: Enables users to find like-minded individuals, join groups, and participate
in discussions based on shared interests.
4. Professional Opportunities: Platforms like LinkedIn provide avenues for networking, job
searching, and career advancement.
5. Awareness and Advocacy: Social networking platforms are used to raise awareness about social
issues, promote causes, and drive social change.

Types of Networking:

1. WAN (Wide Area Network)::

Definition: WAN refers to a network that extends over a large geographic area, connecting
multiple LANs and other networks together.
Examples: Internet.
2. LAN (Local Area Network):
Definition: LAN refers to a network that covers a limited geographical area.
Examples: A typical home network or office network where computers, printers, and other
devices are interconnected within the same physical location is an example of a LAN.
• •Prepared and organized by: Faisal Khan

• •Department of Chemistry GPGC Mardan

• Sharing social issues on digital media

Introduction: Sharing social issues on social media platforms has become a prevalent means of raising
awareness, advocating for change, and mobilizing communities.

Social issues:

Definition: Social issues are matters that impact individuals, communities, or societies at large, often
involving disparities, injustices, or challenges related to various aspects of human life.

List of some social issues:

1.Poverty
2. Discrimination and Inequality
3. Social Justice
4. Education Disparities
5. Healthcare Access
6. Environmental Sustainability
7.Unemployment
8. Economic Instability
9. Mental Health Stigma
10. Homelessness
11. Violence and Crime
12.Illeteracy

Key points:

1. Authenticity and Credibility: It's crucial to ensure the authenticity and credibility of the
information shared.
2. Impactful Messaging: Crafting messages that resonate with audiences and evoke empathy
can lead to greater engagement and action.
3. Targeted Audience Engagement: Engaging with communities directly affected by the issue
fosters solidarity and builds trust.
4. Promoting Constructive Dialogue: Encouraging respectful dialogue and diverse perspectives
cultivates a supportive environment for discussing complex social issues. Moderating
discussions and addressing misinformation or hostile behavior helps maintain a constructive
discourse.
5. Leveraging Influencers and Networks: Collaborating with influencers, organizations, and
networks with a vested interest in the issue can extend the reach and impact of social media
campaigns. Partnering with individuals or groups with credibility and influence enhances
credibility and fosters community participation.
6. Call-to-Action and Mobilization:Including clear calls-to-action encourages users to take
tangible steps, such as signing petitions, attending events, or donating to relevant causes.
 Providing accessible avenues for involvement empowers individuals to contribute to
meaningful change.

• •Prepared and organized by: Faisal Khan

• •Department of Chemistry GPGC Mardan

• Strenghthen citizen voice on social media about social issues

Introduction: Empowering citizens to voice their concerns and advocate for social change on social
media platforms is instrumental in promoting democratic participation, raising awareness, and catalyzing
collective action.

key strategies and considerations:

1. Promote Digital Literacy: Educating citizens about digital literacy, critical thinking, and media
literacy equips them with the skills to navigate social media responsibly, discern credible
information from misinformation and engage in informed discussions.
2. Facilitate Access to Information: Ensuring transparent access to information about social issues
enables citizens to stay informed, understand the complexities of various issues, and make
informed decisions about their involvement and advocacy efforts.
3. Provide Platforms for Dialogue: Creating inclusive and respectful online spaces for dialogue
encourages diverse perspectives, fosters empathy, and promotes constructive discourse around
social issues. Platforms should prioritize civility, moderation, and the exchange of ideas.
4. Encourage Storytelling and Personal Narratives: Encouraging citizens to share personal stories
and lived experiences related to social issues humanizes complex issues, builds empathy, and
inspires solidarity among individuals and communities.
5. Foster Community Building: Facilitating the formation of online communities and grassroots
movements around specific social issues provides a sense of belonging, mutual support, and
collective efficacy among participants.
7. Engage with Policy Makers: Facilitating direct communication and engagement between
citizens and policymakers on social media platforms fosters transparency, accountability, and
participatory governance.
8. Promote Positive Social Norms: Promoting positive social norms, values, and behaviors on
social media platforms encourages respectful dialogue, empathy, and solidarity, while
discouraging hate speech, harassment, and online toxicity.

• •Prepared and organized by: Faisal Khan

• •Department of Chemistry GPGC Mardan

• Ethical consideration on social media:

Introduction: Ethical considerations on social media are crucial due to the platform's significant
influence on individuals, societies, and even global events.

Some key ethical consideration:

1. Privacy: Users should have control over their personal information and be informed about how
it's used, collected, and shared by social media platforms.
2. Data Security: Platforms should take measures to protect user data from unauthorized access or
breaches, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
3. Transparency: Social media companies should be transparent about their algorithms, content
moderation policies, and how they prioritize content to avoid biases or manipulation.
4. User Consent: Users should give informed consent for the use of their data and be aware of the
implications of their interactions and engagements on the platform.
5. Digital Well-being: Platforms should promote healthy online behaviors and mitigate the negative
impacts of social media addiction, cyberbullying, and misinformation.
6. Authenticity: Users and content creators should strive for authenticity and integrity in their
interactions, avoiding the spread of false information, misleading content, or deceptive
practices.
7. Equality and Diversity: Social media platforms should foster inclusivity, diversity, and equal
representation, combating discrimination, hate speech, and online harassment.
8. Responsible Content Creation: Content creators should be mindful of the potential impact of
their posts on others, promoting positive discourse and constructive engagement.
9. Regulatory Compliance: Social media companies should comply with relevant laws and
regulations governing online content, data protection, and consumer rights.
10. Accountability: Platforms should be accountable for their actions and policies, responding
promptly to user concerns, feedback, and addressing instances of misconduct or abuse.

•THE END OF 3RD CHAPTER OF Civics

•Prepared and organized by: Faisal Khan
•Department of Chemistry