“New power” relates to social media because of the new use of a community. Social media websites create a robust community; individuals join together to discuss problems or posts. A new power model key characteristics are current and peer-driven. Social media provides a current update on the world and loved ones. Peer driven is shown by the users of the app, making it successful and adapting the problems to users rather than the stockholders.
New power and education are not mutually exclusive; there is no common ground. The education structure we are currently using has been the same. Education is leader-driven, rather than peer-driven. Teachers have all the power on how individuals will learn during their lecture, and the students must stay quiet. If school were more peer-driven, students would have an opportunity to provide more thoughts and opinions; further, students could request to change the learning strategery. Also, education is not about participation. Students do not have a say in what changes they would like to see around their school. The student body president has no power or authority; personally, no changes have been made to my high school since I left. Students have explained their concerns; however, there is nothing past that. The idea of participation leads to transparency, and schools tend to push problems under the rug. For instance, bullying became an issue in my high school and the school did not address or provide changes. Furthermore, if students were struggling academically, many schools view this student as lazy. Rather than helping a student find different solutions or problems.
The social media website I explored was Reddit. Reddit educated me on ADHD and helped me see that I am not alone. The subreddit r/ADHD showed me stories, rants, and information that other users submitted that felt relatable. Reddit’s use of participation in this discussion board indicates the sue of new power. Individuals are working together to show everyone they are not alone. I can imagine that this subreddit and other mental health subreddits provide tons of information for different individuals. Further, Reddit showed me exciting stories different work environments I would not have learnt on my own. You can learn something new and get cheered up on Reddit.
I think social media can personalize learning because it promotes different learning strategies. Some individuals are visual learners, thus sitting in a 45-minute lecture will not help them entirely. However, they can go on Youtube and find a video that will help them more. For instance, Khan Academy creates videos of individuals doing step-by-step math questions to help tutor individuals for free. Khan Academy allows students involved in late-night studying to get help quickly. Social media enables all students to be able to learn at their full potential.
