The Digital Divide

        There are definite access and equity issues in the entertainment world.  Those who do not have access to the internet and social networking sites, certain television channels, etc. are at a disadvantage to those that do have access.  In the entertainment business, it is crucial to be able to see what is going on with competitors, be able to look at the most popular videos on YouTube, what television shows are being talked about as the "hottest" shows at the moment via "tweet".  Being aware of what is going on and what the trends are is important today in society.  Those that go without the certain technologies we live with today are not fully informed in the world of entertainment and it is unfortunate that many people cannot afford to simply have access to the internet at home.

        An example of the digital divide in the entertainment industry is about creating diverse content, including television, twitter, blogs and movies. People of color are consuming these sources of media more than ever. With this rise in consumption of media, it has been shown that blacks in senior positions, minority ownership, black ownership and executive ranks are declining. It has also been said that black-themed shows are declining as well. 
       
       "The first digital divide was about access to the consumption of the Internet, the World Wide Web and multiple "cool" applications.  Today, the second digital divide is about access to the senior positions and financial capital that would make media content more relevant to more Americans" (Wilson III).

       Without access to certain tools of media, consumers of our work cannot fully view every aspect of what the entertainment business has to offer.  There are so many different technologies and ways to view media today, those that cannot financially afford the internet, or a computer, or a smartphone are not able to access sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and so on.  Without being able to view these sites, the advertisements will not be seen on Facebook, the videos cannot be viewed on YouTube, the tweet of the celebrity promoting their movie premier or concert will not be seen on Twitter, all impacting the entertainment business and those that create the pieces of work people view online everyday.  

http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2013/02/blacks_in_top_media_jobs_why_diversity_is_needed_now.html       

Social Media and Learning

        Education has become very different than what it used to be.  Today, we have technology to help with teaching.  When it comes to learning and social media, I feel that there are both good and bad aspects.  Social media can definitely support as well as distract from learning.  Lets start with the supportive elements.  

        

        In all my years of college, I have taken many online classes and have enjoyed them.  With distance learning, school becomes less stressful and much more convenient.  With online classes, students can work during the day and do their schoolwork in the night.  Online learning is also very convenient when students do not live near campus.  For example, I live an hour and a half away from Chico States campus, online classes make learning so much less stressful.

        Social media is supportive in learning because it offers an additional way for communication between teacher and student as well as classmates.  Teachers and students can post videos on YouTube, view lectures via the internet, etc.  In my video production class, I am able to post my projects on YouTube for others to view.  This is all very supportive in learning.

        There are also distractive elements of social media and education.  It can be very distracting to students and teachers when there are students that text, Facebook, tweet, etc. while in class.

Especially to professor lecturing, while students are on their laptops, tablets, smartphone, etc. while the the professor is in the middle of a discussion, with half the class ignoring every word coming out of the professors mouth, this is a negative. 

        With social media and learning, there is the good and the bad.  I feel that the good out weighs the bad because social media is an outlet to communication.  With social media, learning has become more interesting for students and convenient for both student and teacher.  

Social Media and Business

       Social media plays a big role in business today.  Within the entertainment industry, social media is being used in different areas of business including radio, film, music, magazines, etc.  Social media is another source of communication from one person or group to the target audience of that group.  Reaching out to consumers is very important to any business.  The more ways possible in reaching a customer, the better possibilities for the business to succeed.

       Social media makes me feel much more connected as a consumer.  Social media allows businesses to easily focus on a certain product that is on discount or just being advertised at the moment.  An example of this that comes to mind is The Cheesecake Factory focusing on a particular menu item and advertising it through a social media network, such as Facebook.  A recent example of this is The Cheesecake Factory posting a photo of their seasonal Pumpkin Cheesecake with the caption "Trick or treat? We say: Treat. [Pumpkin Cheesecake]".  This shows consumers that the seasonal dessert is now available at the restaurant.


       Following the businesses I make purchases with on social media sites does make me more of a loyal customer.  Being informed and up to date on information about a business is important because it can lead to sales for that business.  If I am following a particular field of work that interests me, a place of business that I actually make purchases with, the fact that I am making an effort to stay informed with this company makes me a loyal customer.  I follow their tweets, status updates, etc.  I see they have a new product that they are advertising that I take interest in.  I take further action and investigate the item and this leads me to make the purchase.

       I recently came across a new social network that pertains to my interest in the entertainment industry. Connectshot, a social network strictly for people in the field of entertainment.  This means that for actors, musicians, screenwriters, directors, managers, publicists, etc. this social community is a quality way of getting information within the world of entertainment.  Just like any other business dying to advertise products, job opportunities or events, this social network has the same idea, just fully targeted for the entertainment industry.  To list casting calls, red carpet events, job listings in the field, advertise music videos and movie trailers, and to help actors, musicians and authors get started.  This form of social network could be very helpful to a young, up and coming talent.

       Social media is an important and useful aspect of business.  With out social media today in age, businesses would not be the same and they certainly would not be able to communicate with their loyal customers as easily.  Social media is definitely beneficial to businesses in targeting their consumers and spreading the word of the business in a fast and easy way.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/entertainmentnetwork/connectshot/prweb9663853.htm

http://connectshot.com