Rethinking Globalization in a New Era: The Role of Social Media in Global Citizenship

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Social Media

• Plays a significant role in
• Workplace
• Education
• Scholarly research
• Political sphere

Social Media & Information Products

• A move from a “one-way broadcast and producer-controlled model into an interactive co-generating model” (Lofstedt & Holmberg, 2016)

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Social Media in the Political Sphere

• A means for individuals to voice their concerns about social issues & to seek social justice

Instruction in Intentional Social Media Use

• In two distinct disciplines
• Technical Communication
• International Relations

Social Media as a Tool for Technical Communicators

Challenges of Using Social Media in Technical Communication

• Need to learn “new ways of relating to people” (Longo, 2014)
• Must examine cultural assumptions in design of social media tools
• Must think beyond their own cultural contexts
• Have ethical responsibility to consider how technology affects diverse others

Social Media as a Tool for Diplomats

• Diplomacy is all about negotiation and communication
• Impacts diplomats and citizens alike
• Information is not only power in hands of diplomats, but also increasingly at the disposal of ordinary people

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Social Media as a Tool for Diplomats

• Has potential to give a voice to disenfranchised groups
• Individuals can reach a mass audience and join together
• Twitter can be used to mobilize groups

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Four Ways Social Media Plays a Major Role in Conflict

• Limits communication
• Easily accessible
• Adaptation
• Technological advancements

Social Media Gives Power to Average Citizens

• Can produce information
• Express unusual opinions
• Mobilize in groups
• Recruit like-minded individuals to their own cause

Thank You!