Inspiration for blog posts comes from a wide range of items, but most of the time it comes from what I see online or what interests me. However, this blog post topic was inspired for what I saw on social media, particularly Twitter. I was tagged in a tweet about what Coach Rick Pitino (Hall of Fame BB Coach here at UofL) said on his stance on social media. Here’s the quote that has been shared via Twitter (credit to BigTimeYurts).
Yes. there are a lot of perceptions of course that comes with the topic involving social media. As a professor, I do get a lot of questions about what I cover in class ranging from “What do you do in class – just play on Facebook?” or “what do you actually LEARN in class?”
I’d have to say that I got this a lot, but social media is so much more than just looking at the platforms and tools available. It’s about the strategy and application of these tools in various contexts. We talk about the strategy that is involved to using each platform professionally. Topics we cover range from online reputation, privacy and ethical behavior, and even crisis communications. Most of the students in my class want to work in the field after graduation and are doing internships already in social media. We go over both the positives and negatives of social media to have a balanced perspective.
Social media is a growing and evolving field. Yes, it is fun and exciting to be engaging in a discussion with friends – whether it is sharing pictures via SnapChat or taking selfies on Instagram. For me as a professor, it’s not only making sure my students are engaged and aware of the tools out there, but also what are both the opportunities and challenges that arise with these changes and new tools with communities.
I know with Coach Pitino’s stance on social media and how some reports may have taken his statement out of context. I totally understand his concerns over the dark side and risks associated with the platform – more than any one especially from a student-athlete’s perspective and speaking from personal experience.
As a student-athlete in high school (I started my personal website at age 15 and marketed myself in high school with it) and as a student-athlete at both Florida and USC, I experienced all of these activities myself (negative posts, cyberbullying, etc) – and this is what I share with my students.
However, one of the most important lessons I learned while a student athlete with a strong following online is the fact you need to be present to defend yourself online and be engaging – if you are not online, the community and negativity that emerges controls the conversation and that could both be damaging and distracting. You also have a huge opportunity to engage those that are supportive and happy for you and what you are doing in athletics. They are your support network and will defend you from these others. The factor is, you have to be on to engage both parties. Not everyone is going to like you – another lesson I learned in the process – and that’s a life lesson everyone will learn at some point. The safest place you can be on social media is to be on and engaged with the content and communities online.
I have the at most respect for what Coach Pitino has done for the University of Louisville. We had a banner year last year and we are doing exceptionally well here this season. It’s been a great time to be a Louisville Cardinal.
“I have an open invitation for Coach Pitino (and his coaching staff) to stop by any time during my social media class” — Karen Freberg
So, that is why I have an open invitation for Coach Pitino (and his coaching staff) to stop by any time during my social media class (which is taught MWF at 10 am in Strickler Hall 208 on campus) to see what we cover. You will always be welcome. 🙂 I’d be happy to show you what I cover in my syllabus in my social media class as well. All you need to do is let me know if you would like to stop by. #BringCPtoFreberg14.
Hope you all are having a great day.
Best Wishes,
Karen
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