I watched the Ted Talk Revaluate, Rethink, and Release by Jesse Miller this week. Jesse begins the talk by discussing how social media has caused a discourse in communication. In the 21st century, it is incredible that people can post and send messages to one another in hundredths of seconds. Since this has become the norm in our society, it has disrupted meaningful real-life communication. Jesse repeatedly highlights that there is a time and place to be on your phone, but society, parents, and educators have failed to teach children when it is inappropriate. Jesse prompted us to think about how we engage with technology. Do we use it as a pacifier for our children, to share selfies, global events, or our personal opinions, and how often? This prompt made me realize that reflecting on my digital citizenship is crucial, as so many people, including myself, have become ignorant of how they use social media and how often they use it. The lack of authority on social media leads kids and teens into a spiral of inappropriate use of social media.
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In order to teach proper digital citizenship and media literacy, I must continually reevaluate my use of technology. Jesse highlighted that we often educate children on the dangers of predators and bullies on social media but neglect the fact that our profiles on social media are extensions of our identity for the entire world to make assumptions about. It is effortless to share posts on social media, meaning that we need to make children aware of the consequences they could face as a result of their actions. Educators and parents must lead by example, practicing digital citizenship and media literacy for children to follow. Additionally, we need to make children aware of the personal authority they have over their social media usage.
Miller highlighted several negative aspects of social media usage, but it was not his intent to discourage the use of media. At the end of the Ted Talk, he emphasizes that with proper education on digital citizenship and media literacy, children can find a balance between social media usage and what they share. Revaluation and rethinking how we educate and use social networks will spark a positive change in which children and teens use social media to inspire, create, and connect meaningfully.
Check out Jesse Miller’s Ted Talk below!
