Online Communities

It's funny with all of this talk about online communities in class and on the quiz, that I am starting to notice how much I am involved in them.  I am getting a medical test done tomorrow, and my doctor told me it will "hurt like hell."  Not the most reassuring words I would choose to hear from my doctor right before the test!  So now I'm paranoid that I am subjecting myself to pain.  Well, I went online and searched medical forums to see what this procedure is and why it will hurt.  I guess it's different for each person, so I will know tomorrow.  In a way this online community helped give me peace of mind that other people have already experienced the test, but at the same time I didn't get a distinct answer.  I'll just have to take the test and post my experience on the forum tomorrow...

Election Day

Personally, I am so ready for Election Day to be over. No more annoying, demeaning political ads, uninformed statuses on Facebook and Twitter, and repetitive phone calls reminding me to vote.  This was the first election I could vote in, so I was very excited to cast my vote!  Since this is a social media class, I think it is fitting to comment about the obnoxious posts on all social media sites today and leading up to the election.  People use social media as an outlet to voice their opinions, and the election has given uneducated voters a platform to push their views on society. However, with Freedom of Speech, they are allowed to write whatever they want, and people should respect that.

            I have been anxiously awaiting any results or early predictions for the election, but so far I have not heard anything.  I read an article in The New York Times last week about how news stations were told to not express any election news on social media sites until a final announcement is made on a state-by-state level. In the past, leaked information has lead to chaos and frustration from both parties about not receiving accurate information about results.  With a close race this year, it is imperative that news stations do not announce any results until they are supported and true.  Social media is a great, fast way to share information, but it can also foster rumors. I'm sure the first place I will see who won the election will be on Twitter.