Balancing PLN, Media Literacy, & Public Discourse

In today’s digitally connected society, engaging with social media is no longer just a personal activity. It has become a form of public communication that carries ethical responsibility. With the overwhelming amount of digital content available online, media literacy helps us recognize not only what information we consume, but also the responsibilities that come with sharing it. As Trilling and Fadel (2009) note, 21st century learners need to be able to distinguish facts from propaganda and critical analysis from everyday commentary. This is especially important when participating in a public PLN, where the information we share may influence others.

How Notable Individuals Use Social Media

Social media is more than just a communication tool, it is also a space where public figures manage their professional identity and credibility. In the interview with Sophie Lui from Global BC, she mentioned that social media helps her remain relevant and connected to a wider intellectual community. Through these interactions, individuals in the public eye can build trust with their audience and reinforce their credibility. Over time, this engagement can positively influence how they are viewed both professionally and socially.

Verifiable Resources and the Risk of Misinformation

Being active in digital spaces also comes with risks. I learned through the “Break the Fake” video that visual realism alone is not enough to determine whether something is real or fake (MediaSmarts, 2021). This made me reflect on how easily misinformation can be shared unintentionally, even by well-meaning individuals. According to Hirst (2018), fake news is often influenced by political or economic interests, which means that understanding the broader structures behind information production is essential when evaluating online content. I also became more aware of how confirmation bias may lead individuals, including myself, to prioritize information that aligns with pre-existing beliefs instead of critically evaluating its accuracy.

Media Literacy and Constrains

Using employer-provided online platforms can be beneficial for building professional networks and accessing new opportunities. However, these tools may also limit how individuals express themselves publicly. As discussed by Trilling and Fadel (2009), effective media communication involves more than simply using digital tools, it also requires an understanding of ethical and legal considerations, as well as the social impact of shared information. In this sense, media literacy becomes essential for balancing personal values with professional responsibilities when engaging in public discourse.

Responding to Criticism in Public Spaces

Participating in a public PLN often means being exposed to criticism, misinformation, and differing opinions. While this can sometimes be uncomfortable, it is also unavoidable. Sophie Lui mentioned that responding to negative feedback requires emotional control and thoughtful decision-making rather than immediate reactions. Taking time before responding to criticism can help prevent mistakes that might remain permanently visible in digital spaces. Personally, I try to avoid impulsive responses by muting certain accounts or stepping away from discussions temporarily until I can reflect more calmly.

Building a Reliable PLN

Maintaining a trustworthy PLN involves integrating diverse perspectives while ensuring that shared information is accurate and verifiable. As highlighted in the MediaSmarts resource, responsible information sharing includes identifying the original source of information, evaluating whether the source is reliable, and checking if the information has already been debunked by professional fact-checkers (MediaSmarts, 2021). In my own practice, when I encounter unfamiliar information on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), I often try to locate supporting academic research through Google Scholar or visit the original news source. However, I realized through this module that I had not consistently considered whether professional fact-checkers had already addressed the information, something I plan to be more mindful of moving forward.

Conclusion

Overall, curating social media content for a public audience involves balancing the responsibility of maintaining informational accuracy with the expectations of a connected community. Developing strong media literacy skills allows us to engage meaningfully in public discourse while minimizing the risks of misinformation. By actively verifying sources and critically evaluating information, we can contribute to more informed and trustworthy learning environments within our PLNs.

References

Trilling, B., & Fadel, C. (2009). 21st century skills: Learning for life in our times.

Hirst, M. (2018). Navigating social journalism: A handbook for media literacy and citizen journalism.

MediaSmarts (2021). What’s Real Online? | Media Literacy Lesson. Course YouTube Channel

In the Public-Eye – Social Media and Evening News – Course YouTube Channel