Nostaligia for the Physical World

As an impressionable student preparing to thrust myself into the scary world of professionalism, I find the timing of my transformation somewhat interesting. Publicists are raving about the perks and benefits this progressive technological era has bestowed upon us, and undoubtedly there is a silver lining to be seen. Twitter, blogs, other social media and online newsrooms are more prominent and accessible than ever, allowing us to be lazier—as pejorative as that may seem—and more expansive. The American Dream right? It’s simple cost-benefit analysis.

Sadly, I cannot ignore my compulsion to seek out the underlying cynicism in things; there seems to be a hesitant suspicion rising in the pith of my optimism. We are standing on the frontier of this amazing technology advancement, at an inconvenient age. We’re not growing up with these innovations embedded in our green field of knowledge, like the astounding elementary virtuosos replacing cursive writing with iPods; and we don’t really have time to learn the basic fundamentals that perfected the art of publicity in ancient times of yore. There’s no time for prodigal lectures over the form of networking and personal relationships, or the other grinds of former (respectable) ways of the field. Social media is the future, and we’re riding that wave hard. While that’s cute and interesting, there has to be subsequent effects to our society and their interpersonal relationships. The information age has drawn an ironic social paradox: We’re clearly more globally connected, but undeniably becoming more isolated.

Shamelessly, I have no problem admitting the vision-blurring fear I have of talking in front of people, or on the phone. While this is confusing for some, it’s beyond confounding for me that this is even an issue. I used to have no problem approaching anyone, anytime, and making an instant connection. I could stand in front of a crowd with ease and speak fluidly about whatever need be. Phone conversations were of second nature, at 14 I figured out how to get incoming calls at red-eye hours without waking up my parents (MovieFone for hours + call waiting= no ringing). Suddenly, about three years ago, I’m unrecognizable to me. Public speaking has caused me to black out, I avoid phone calls like gas station bathrooms, and my confidence is partially subsiding. Concurrently, my texting skills are superior, I feel like Twitter is my new pet, and I put the art of e-mailing into submission. I get it…it’s ironic that I’m in PR and have these weird phobias. But trust me, this is a newfound thing. Are the rippling tides of modern media swelling into a wave gone rogue?

If it only took about three years for a stubborn, haughty, secure woman (ehh, or girl) to lose her bearings, what are these children going to grow up like? What is the future of PR? Will commentary be through text? Will interviews be conducted through Facebook chat? Are bosses going to promote and terminate people over Twitter? Our interpersonal relationships have been beaten against the wall. There are definitely studies showing increased in engagement through new classroom lessons over social media, but who’s surprised? This is a tool we use(d) recreationally, outside of the classroom. It’s as though we’re teaching the theory of Family Guy, or "strategic party demeanor"…ooh man, did I strike gold?

Fumbling with a glass of wine and words on the tip of my tongue, I found myself conversing with a stranger at a jazz bar. She is a communications major, something that always raised my ears; perhaps because I have no idea what lies in the future of a communications major, as painfully obvious as it may sound. She plans to pursue PR. Whaaat? Hey, no, that’s mine and you can’t just come around here pirating that from me! I picked her brain about what she studies. Apparently, it’s the other pole end of my profession. She learns how to speak to authority, how to finagle her words into getting what she wants, how to speak to media and large crowds…I stood there mouth gaping. I was so jealous! Maybe it would have been more conducive to study communications rather than PR…...no…. I renounce that! I love writing, and I undyingly appreciate the things I’ve learned in the journalism department. My inner snob is on her knees in desperate hopes that this department retains its distinguished identity, and doesn’t fall victim to the oppressive social media…producing a line of muted, oblivious, isolated texting prodigies.

Twitter Stardom

Thanks to advancing technology, people all over the world have the opportunity to whore themselves out to open eyes everywhere. The revolutionizing social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, allow a broad scope of opinions to be heard. Blogs and posts have the potential to go viral with ease, and can hold the capability to crown any person, of any education level, queen or king of social media. An evolving trend shows that everyday employees are becoming more “famous” than their employers, as in the case of Frank Eliason of Comcast. Of course, there are repercussions and benefits to every angle of everything; but the velocity social media carries in present times calls for more dramatic consequences.

The Benefits

Becoming a known name in the mysterious inter-web gains you access to the cradling arms of potential customers or clients worldwide. People feel like they know you on a more casual level. Simply tweeting personal endeavors of mundane activities throughout your day lets people in on your intimate, boring life. One becomes more relatable, and people love relatable. Your opinions are trusted more and your credibility is increased. Frank Eliason talked to his public about groceries and daily tasks, making his professional conversation sound intriguing as well. Employees who are privy to the technicalities of social media are also beneficial because they’re evolving with the trends. Keeping up with the intricacies of digital networking is tedious and takes time to learn. Having a computer savvy employee eases the rough trek to success. Their insight to what people want, need, and are in-tune to is valuable too.

The Downfalls

With enough followers, an employee could have the power to sway your audience from right under your feet. If the tweeter doesn’t possess enough selflessness, unwanted influences could be held over the public. Gunslinging is another threat to online fame. A difference of opinion between your employee and a follower could cause anger with clients that are not easily consoled. The possibility of information leaking is also something to consider. Monitoring your employee 24/7 is next to impossible; therefore a trusting relationship is always important.

Despite the damages a Twitter “star” could potentially have for an employee, I think it’s ultimately worth the risk. The world of business is metamorphosing and it’s hard to keep up. Defiance to modern technology or insisting on archaic ways is much more detrimental than a possible diva. There will always be the same worries; any employee at any time could have the same threats that those have with digital experience. Granted, they may have faster access to minds; but an employer needs to always have a crisis management plan for any circumstance. The worst that could happen isn’t even that bad. It’s important to stay young and modern in this over-competitive world.

(ps....follow me @brittanyLstone)