There are various benefits and risks for a public figure or person in a position of trust engages with a public audience in a media. One benefit is that media platforms expand the reach of public figures or people in positions of trust. Social media can be used as platforms to create their digital identities and disseminate important information to a wide range of audience, which paves the way for their future development. Also, engaging with a public audience allows them to establish credibility among their target audience. Establishing credibility is especially important for people in positions of trust because their career development is built on their credibility to some extent. By sharing their perspectives and achievement regularly, they can be trusted by the public. However, media platforms are a double sword for people in positions of trust because this credibility can be built or destroyed by media platforms. They have to be extremely careful about their statements and behaviors which are under the public’s supervision. Correspondingly, engaging with a public audience in a media reduces their freedom.

Negative replies and critiques are inevitable when engaging with a public audience in a media. In my opinion, it is important to stay calm and rational when encountered negative replies and critiques, and learn how to identify these comments. While some comments involve irrational attacks, there are some valid comments. In order to maintain the digital identity, it is necessary to demonstrate a willingness to address concerns or make improvements. Additionally, some of the negative comments might due to misunderstandings and therefore it is necessary to provide some explanations and clarifications.

One thing I noticed from the last week’s reading “Designing for open and social learning” was that while technological advancements provide a variety of resources for educators and learners, it is hard to guarantee the credibility of these resources. One benefit of having a PLN that values media literacy is promoting the credibility and accuracy of resources. It also helps individuals to improve several skills like critical thinking skills, summarizing skills and even problem-solving skills. In addition to understanding various content, it is also important to think critically about these contents and have your own opinion. Having access to a variety of resources allows individuals to gain exposure to multiple perspectives and, consequently, to discover a variety of solutions to problems. Moreover, a PLN that values media literacy has the potential to serve as a hub for professional development, providing invaluable resources and opportunities for networking to its members. Therefore, promoting the development of media literacy is beneficial to PLNs.