Survival Means Staying Connected...

Step One: Stay Connected...reach out to others in a similar situation, gather as much information as possible, and learn as much as you can.

In today's modern world, there are a multitude of ways for us to stay connected to one another. This we must make a diligent effort to do in order to gain support, increase our knowledge, or even be entertained. Some of these means are digital, while others are more traditional. To truly utilize our resources to our fullest advantage we must first understand the benefits that each can offer.

Blogs

One way that we can all remain in sync with each other is through “blogging.” A weblog, or blog as it is most commonly known, is a digital journal made open to all by being accessible online(Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012). This allows the author to convey their ideas in a way that makes the most sense to them; in their own language, from their own perspective, and in their own way. The audiences for blogs are as diverse as those who create them. Families can use them to stay connected with each other from anywhere in the world, share stories and news, and stay close when proximity is not an option.

At the same time the average internet browser is connecting with a long-lost relative, a business is using its internet blogging capabilities to diversify its customer interaction, as well as take advantage of any additional opportunity for marketing their product or services. They may choose to post ads on a frequently visited blog that is relevant to their goods, or have their own dedicated weblog. Some will blog to generate support for a cause (political, fund-raising, or awareness), while others simply want to share their knowledge of how to feed a large family on a budget. The beauty of blogging is that not only is it a cost free form of mass marketing ideas, but it is universally acceptable for everyone to not only have one, but to frequently use them as a source of every-day connectivity.

Websites

Another medium by which we connect, is through the use of Websites. While a website serves many of the same functions of a blog, it differs in that it is more function-oriented; to inform, sell, or persuade. In addition, the tools available will be more intensive. Websites offer the option to not only generate initial income through steady search exposure to a product or service, but through selling advertising space to other marketers.

Not only do websites frequently include ads, banners, and basic product information, but they also have the technological capability to support payment software, higher security, hyperlinks, and much more. Most importantly, a website offers users an overall greater internet presence. It is an excellent way to expand into arenas previously made impossible by distance or lack of capitol. The purpose of a website (or site, for short) is not only to provide information to others (typically customers or members) but also to create an additional level of customer service. The traffic generated by a site can sell inventory world wide, create a larger consumer base, and create buzz over a product, service, or message. Websites allow their representatives to expand their brand recognition on a global marketplace, providing equal opportunity for access, marketing, and exposure. The great thing about a website is that it is specific in its scope and functionality, therefore even those previously unaware of its existence can be introduced to it by doing a simple Google search for a relevant topic (i.e. Search: Step Parents, Result: “Life in the Blender”). Websites are a great opportunity for small businesses, or even the “little guy,” to compete in the global marketplace.

Social Networking: Facebook

One highly specialized website concept is that of the “social networking” sites. Facebook is one of the most commonly used social media outlets today. Though it is not the first of its kind, this particular social media outlet has certainly grown beyond the borders of the technology it began with. Now, members of this global community can not only keep in touch with friends and family members world-wide, but they can also reach out to those they have lost connection with. Facebook and other social media sites allow for a melding of consumerism and humanistic connectivity by creating a level playing field where individuals, businesses, organizations, even political figures, can all unite with each other through common interest and goals. Some use it for marketing and advertising, while others use it to find their high school sweetheart.

There are networking sites for professionals as well. Unlike Facebook, which is used primarily for informal communications, sites like LinkedIn present a more formal and market based alternative for the business professional. This online community consists of members who are in executive positions, business management staff, human resource directors, job seekers, and hiring agents alike. The one unifying factor among all members is the desire to both seek and find other professionally minded individuals that might offer them the opportunity to advance their own goals. Regardless of the user's intent, the technology within social media sites is easily accessible, user-friendly, and highly recognizable. At the same time, it still manages to extend through the global community, beyond the walls presented by race, classification, or socioeconomic borders. It is a digital equalizer of sorts.

Print Media

One media technology that is not as heavily used today would be the print media. The purpose of print media is clear and traditional; to express and convey a message through printed word on paper. Though much of our media has gone the way of digital mass release, many of our favorite periodicals are still going strong in paper copy. Magazines, local papers, and catalogs are vying for the opportunity to avoid extinction. Fortunately, they still appeal to the traditionalists and those who appreciate a tangible version of their favorite story. The Bible, for example, is one written work that will likely never go out of print production.

Print media is also a great way to advertise and market. Though many have chosen to forgo the traditional mode of print advertising in exchange for digital options, there is still value in it. Flyers, magazine ads, newsletters, and the local newspaper are all great opportunities to share a story and sell a product. The tangible nature of print on paper helps some audiences feel more connected to the message than a flashing banner ad, or one of the several “spam” messages that have landed in their inbox. In a world where digital delivery requires that we be connected at all times, the print media option can offer us an escape from the hustle and bustle of our every day lives. Though digital is the way of convenience and instant gratification, there is nothing better than curling up in front of the fireplace with a good book. It is rewarding to put the cell phone on silent, leave the computer and television off, and immerse ourselves in the written word. Page by page, we find ourselves delving further into the world of vampires and werewolves, or following the words of a great motivator as we choose to be better parents.

Without a doubt, media technologies can provide us with not only a wealth of information, but the tools we need to improve our daily lives. We need only be willing to obtain them, and more importantly, use them. Do not be afraid to try something new!