Since graduating college some people might say my tweets are funnier, or raunchier depending on whom you ask. Why? Well I can actually make a joke that says “asscheeks” now if I want to (and believe me, I’ve made many).
Little known to most people, I went through college under a strict social media policy within my sorority that forbid any swearing, references to sex or alcohol, or seductive photographs from being placed online. And as a punk rock loving woman, keeping my mouth closed—albeit online—drives me crazy; let’s just call it the “stick it to the man gene” that I picked up somewhere along the way.
Now I think social media policies are effective in certain industries, but I don’t think collegiate women should be victim to them. I couldn’t post photos of my 21st birthday if there was alcohol in any of the photos or essentially, I couldn’t be controversial in the slightest or else I could get my pin pulled. Sadly the average sorority woman must play by these old school rules trying to be adapted to a modern platform. And although I love the women I can call my sisters, there are a lot of parts of being in a sorority that I find contradictory (but that’s for another blog). I wouldn’t change my college experience for a thing, but damn did I hate being told what I could and could not post online. Especially because these kinds of policies are instated to try and combat Greek stereotypes, it’s a damned if you do, damned if you don’t thing.
So when you see my tweets lately, just remind yourself that I’m going through a phase kind of like those severely repressed kids at college for the first time. And then remember that I didn’t get to archive my higher education experience online… But then again, maybe that’s the reason I have a job now.
Also, just because I can: I have a motherfucking diploma now, bitches!
I love Jimmy John’s and I’m pretty sure that isn’t a secret. Throw me a #14 any day of the week and I will be a happy camper (I even ate one today, holla at some BBQ chips!). If anyone has walked into a Jimmy John’s ever they probably noticed the quirky decor, the fact there is a giant sub that costs almost $12 and the employees themselves usually mimic the brand. There is a reason that they post themselves up next to college campuses, and that’s because Jimmy Johns aims to keep that youthful vibe. Do you know what youths are? They aren’t politically correct, but they certainly are hungry and Jimmy John’s fills that void.
This woman posted on JJ’s Facebook page about how employee’s shirts said “damn” on them. Oh! Think of the children they said! They will be offended they said! I think this woman forgot the uniqueness of a brand that sells sandwiches. It is a sandwich with a personality! But seriously, nothing gets me more excited than a brand that sticks up for themselves. Damn it! Jimmy Johns does what they want to, and you better believe those sandwiches are damn good! And damn fast!
I mean, come on the FCC doesn’t even care about “damn.” Throw out some Janet Jackson nipples and f-bombs though, and that’s when it gets serious. So the moral of this story is be glad that your Jimmy John’s delivery man isn’t wearing pasties and citing the delay of your sandwich on a “wardrobe malfunction.”
You can’t please everyone, and Jimmy John’s is A-OK with that. They acknowledged things wouldn’t change, and they are who they are. You don’t expect your spouse or your friends to be perfect, and you certainly aren’t, but those quirks are what attracts people to you. So you’ll see me down at the Jimmy Johns, eating my damn good sandwich and celebrating the individuality of a brand that said “no.”
I took a week off from social media and I didn’t go crazy. For that I deserve some kind of prize, like free Facebook credits or a gold star sticker on my forehead. Going cold turkey from social media for me was like telling a nail biter they had to keep those phalanges away from their pearly whites. It is hard to kick a habit you consciously sometimes don’t realize you’re partaking in.
By day 3 I finally realized that the easiest way to resist the temptation is to delete all the easy-access applications and bookmarks to your favorite social media sites. Not being able to just click the Twitter application on my Android phone’s homescreen made my compulsive clicking (repeatedly hitting a login screen) next to nothing. Not having quick-access to these sites on my phone or browser made it much easier to resist. I have a habit of clicking just to click; this solved that problem real quick.
I can’t lie though, I meant to go social media-free since August and it wasn’t until I was going through a rough patch with the guy I’m dating that I had the motivation to kick the habit full-out. For anyone going through a break-up, rough patch, whatever… Hear me out–go MIA on your favorite social media networks (like right now)–it’ll help you avoid the urge to post “Debbie Downer” statuses or tweets AND it’ll keep your eyes away from you-know-who’s personal networks. While the internet stores an awesome wealth of self-help sites and motivational quotes, songs, or speeches on YouTube for the tender hearted—let’s face it—nobody wants to see your pity party all over their news feed. In all honesty, when you’re feeling down the best thing to do is focus on yourself rather than crafting the ultimate 140-character tweet to make it seem like your life is awesome when it isn’t (seriously, that isn’t good for you).
Results of my experiment:
I really missed tweeting out dumb thing my classmates do or say (like the infamous “pissblanket”), I actually started writing things down in my notebook that I would have usually tweeted out.
I was out of the loop with news. I was the last to know about Steve Jobs stepping down I’m pretty sure.
I focused more on the relationships at hand for the week, rather than juggling online conversations while hanging out with someone.
I realized sometimes I almost feel an obligation to be active on social media. To cut it out was a little therapeutic. I wasn’t tweeting or taking photos of what I was doing, but rather taking a part in it. I saw the world through my eyes, and not a camera lens like I sometimes tend to do.
I missed using Twitter more than Facebook.
I made more phone calls and texted my friends more, rather than finding someone on Facebook chat or Twitter to kill my time with, and in such I spent more time with my friends and strengthened some of those relationships with people I didn’t know too well yet.
I almost felt bad when I couldn’t tweet out about how awesome this restaurant Smashburger was (delicious!)
I did a ridiculous amount of online shopping this week, I still don’t know if that is in correlation with anything.
Since getting back into the social media game, I’ve been less active. Oh damn, there goes my Klout score.
Overall I think I would do another social media free week. Oddly enough, I was approached by a professor to discuss the benefits of using social media during my supposed week free from it. Trying to explain certain features of Facebook and then backing it up with “I’d show you right now, but I don’t have a Facebook currently,” makes for a confused 50-something-man left with vague ideas of what I’m trying to explain. Hopefully the next time around I won’t have that problem, and hopefully next time my reason for going SM-free will be because I’m too busy vacationing in a tropical wonderland. (Unfortunately, that’s probably not going to happen.)
Whether anyone wants to accept it or not, it is 2011 and social media is taking the world by storm. Sit down during any commercial break and you’ll see at least two or three businesses saying to “like” them on Facebook. Universities and colleges around the country are still finding their niche in the digital spectrum. College is a social hub for 18-23 year olds (give or take). I know I have met numerous new people, participated in campus activities, did stereotypical college things, and did not-so-typical things in college. But is it damaging for these colleges to lack a social media presence? I think the answer is yes and here’s why:
1) Recruitment: We’re not Ivy leagues, and not everyone is going to fawn after attending our university. The days have passed where mailed brochures are the most effective medium. Universities need to find these teens where they hang out, and nowadays that place is the internet (and for geeks like me, this is where I’ve always been).
2) Building Community: Admissions advisors are now starting Facebook groups for incoming freshmen so they can build relationships pre-moving in and work on Q&A. Sites like Twitter and Facebook allow users to interact with local businesses and residents, for universities that means establishing relationships. You want your neighborhood to love you, be a part of the community, don’t overpower it.
3) Engaging that Community: I have at-replied my university on Twitter handfuls of times, usually to no-avail. With social media, everyone is now available to be your critic and your biggest fan at the drop of a dime. As a university, college, business, person, it is important to protect your brand and respond to both the bad and the good. Just because you ignore the negative comments, does not mean that other people will not see those and judge you based upon it. Talk to your followers, fans, and your community. Don’t put out information; ask their input on that information. Be a conversationalist, not a lecturer.
4) Showcasing Personality: Some students don’t get the opportunity to tour every campus and the only feel they get of a university is via brochures, websites, and telephone calls to the admissions office. There is a more low-key vibe with social media, and it can allow for these snooty up-tight institutions to add a little personality (pizazz) to their image. A pop-culture reference or joke every once in a while won’t hurt, but rather can add to the appeal of your university.
I’ve recently gotten the opportunity to become a student ambassador for the website, Zinch.com. The whole idea behind Zinch is that every student is “more than a test score.” They built a social networking site where prospective students can set up profiles, along with colleges looking for recruiting opportunities. To interact with an actual human being from the university adds a much more personable level to the institution, and I know that’s what I wanted in a college – just sayin’.
I get frustrated when I see my peers whining about the dreaded job search. Sometimes I feel like there needs to be a campus-wide memo that says “the diploma you receive from this university does not guarantee a job post-graduation.” If you’re not pro-active in your job search, you won’t find a job; it is as simple as that.
So if you’re in communications, and in college, and looking for a job because you don’t have one, heed this advice:
1) Get active on Social Media. I scored my internship via Twitter. Social media gives you a chance people never had before, which is to directly interact with these companies and agencies without even leaving your home. I’ve been approached by three different companies about internships because they were impressed with my social media presence. There’s also small communities out there building up on twitter, follow people in your field, follow people who interest you, and then talk to these people. When it comes down to it, the world is just about who you know and when someone hears of a job opening, they’re more likely to recommend you for it if they know who you are.
2) Don’t wait until your senior year to start “getting out there.” Start looking at internships when you’re a sophomore and plan out how you’re going to get those internships come your junior and senior years. If you are driven and do awesome at your internship, bossman (or woman) is going to be keener on having you full-time and giving you one of those fancy paycheck things every two weeks.
Don't let this be the product of your college Degree
3) Speaking of Internships: Get One. Employers love job experience. If you don’t have job experience, then you need to get it. Flippin’ burgers at McD’s the past four years isn’t exactly what corporate yuppies are looking for, you know, unless you’re working corporate at McD’s. But if you’re in communications like I am, well, that just isn’t too impressive on your resume. The people you meet at these internships, assuming you’re not holed away in a storage room filing paperwork and filling coffee cups, can lead to full-time opportunities down the road. Plus, you’ll learn all kinds of valuable things. These internships really help you in figuring out if you made the right career choice.
4) Network your Heart Out: I <3 networking. The great thing about networking is that usually you can find yourself in a room with a handful of people who have the same interests that you do. So take advantage of that and chat it up. There’s plenty of networking events out there for young adults, or industry members. For my St. Louis readers, there is options such as these or these.
5) Go to class: I’m throwing this in here because it’s a good habit to have. Along with the other good habits to have, such as brushing your teeth, showering on a regular basis and not having an e-mail like sexy4u102@aol.com. Don’t get in a routine of getting up late, because believe me, it is hard to break and it encourages your already-bad habit of procrastinating. Employers love punctual people (my boss also loves punctuation but that’s not related), so get in the habit of being on time so you’re not as miserable come your first day at the 9-5.
Most of the things I mentioned here are common sense, but unfortunately we can forget the most common things at times. Also, Gen Y is notorious for being lazy and less driven than their Gen X counterparts, or their parents’ generation. I’d personally like to say that’s a lie, but sometimes it does ring true. You can’t procrastinate on establishing your career though, because that will just result in a surplus of stress post-graduation and you’ll blog all of your woes away and nobody will care. Just sayin’.
Thanks to the internet anyone can talk to complete strangers now at any given time of day. No longer do you need to go out of your house to meet new people! You can plop on the couch at 4 AM and talk with your own McDreamy from England… Or Russia, or Australia, or Japan… Or maybe he’s in Chicago, Illinois delving into a hearty helping of deep dish pizza.
With websites like Youtube and Stickam we are building communities of people who know nothing about each other. Communities based on a pixelated video feed and nothing but text and microphones to voice our opinions. So what happens when we strip away the usernames and find ourselves with nothing but our video feeds to identify ourselves? New websites have popped up lately, such as Omegle and the Omegle with audio/video feed clone Chatroulette that require no usernames, or login identification… Essentially the idea is just like having a one night stand. You meet a stranger, you have a little “fun” with them and like that you move on. Or there’s always the more PG rated sounding analogy, where it is like speed dating and if you like the person then you can give them your contact information.
One of many people begging to see womens' breasts
Like any forum where anonymity is guaranteed, people’s “wild sides” are bound to be unleashed. Sites such as 4chanhave proven this countless times. So under a veil of anonymity many people will do what they can’t do in public otherwise. Masturbating on their cam feed, asking to see stranger’s breasts and genitalia, etc. But the wonderful thing about Chatroulette is that if you don’t feel like putting up with anyone’s shit anymore (or as a English man described it, “the cut of their jib”) you can just click the next button and along comes another stranger that you may or may not next within the first 30 seconds. Once you can look past the random pixelated penises (soon to be in HD, I’m sure), extensive amount of shirtless Brazilians, and the 16 year old boys saying “tits or gtfo” every other 5 people you come across, then the website offers a lot to it’s visitors. I mean sure, the site sounds like a freak show, but I’ve met some nice people on there, learned about other cultures through talking to random Swedes/Russians/Brazilians/Hungarians/etc., and I even got some boy from California to write my name on his chest in Sharpie.
Like with any other social medium though, advertisers/promoters/marketers need to learn how to tap into it. I didn’t really see the promotional opportunities of the website until I randomly landed in a conversation with a stranger I eventually found out was named Ryan. So basically Ryan and I are chatting, going down the rounds of typical questions you ask a stranger (“From? Age? Name? Can you believe all the random cocks on here?!”). I tell him that I live in Missouri and bam, like that he tells me that his band is touring there over the summer. He links me to his band’s myspace, so that way I can keep up to date with their tour schedule and like that he not only has a potential new fan, but another potential body at his performance.
Sample from one of my Chats
But Ryan wasn’t the only person to try and promote something to me. I talked to an art student from Pennsylvania who linked me to his portfolio, and there was Ross, a Scottish lad who linked me to his band’s myspace after learning my musical tastes were similar the stylings his band produced. I also found myself in the midst of the action by linking people to my blog, or my twitter. When people ask what you do in your free time, it’s a very easy way to say, “I enjoy blogging, here’s my blog,” or “I’m in a band… yadda yadda yadda,” and link them to the appropriate websites. So just like that you’ve got new views to your website, and you’ve reached someone that you probably would have never reached otherwise, which is one of the many great features that social media offers: a chance to connect with a worldwide audience.
Have a website? Use tools such as ManyCam to put text over your video feed. An artist? Do your work while on your
Another sample from a Chat
cam! When you converse with someone for a little bit, they are more likely to check out your website, so also try and chat to those viewing your webcam. An aspiring porn star? Just get down with the get down on cam (you wouldn’t be the only one to bust out their goodies on chatroulette) and link to your website. The possibilities for getting your name out are endless on this website, as are the possibilities that you will run into a stranger’s gonads and strife laid out on the table. Already thanks to talking to people on chatroulette I’ve gained a few more readers along with a few more followers on twitter. Nobody said promoting a small time blog was easy but with a little TLC I’m getting there.
But I can easily say Chatroulette is one of my new addictions, learning how I can multi-task by killing my boredom and promoting myself as well in the process is one I am slowly mastering. Luckily though, thanks to being essentially raised by the internet, I have been desensitized by the grotesque and so nothing on Chatroulette website can faze me. This website is a sweet reminder though of how the simplest things can bring happiness to many as defined by this video:
P.S. I would like to wish everyone the best in the new year!
