(ThyBlackMan.com) Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. of Gamma Rho Omega Chapter, Inc. Provided a powerful summit for youth and teens that invited talented speakers in education, community activism and business leaders to share their knowledge and experiences with the teens and youth in attendance.
Having the opportunity to speak at the recent leadership summit provided by the ladies of AKA Sorority in Jacksonville, Florida at Matthew Gilbert Middle School; the youth in attendance were engaged in diverse workshops that provided valuable information in areas of academics, business, self-esteem and social media. Speakers were: Betty Burney, Joan Williams, Ronnie King, Stephanie Brown, Dr. Cohen, Dr. Euers, William Jackson and Ramona and Michael Cobb.
One of the areas covered for teen’s their “Digital Footprint” and the influence of Social Media, how a teen’s future can be influenced by 140
characters when micro-blogging or using the Social Media platform “Twitter.”
The immersion of micro-blogging has taken on a life and reality of its own. Communicating in 140 characters or less only limits the availability of continuous content; it does not diminish the value of the content or meat of the communication.
Social Media consultant (William Jackson) addressed the youth that their phones can be their best friend or worst enemy by the content they create and post. It is not exclusive to text (blogging/micro-blogging), Vblogging (video blogging), Podcasting (audio blogging) or other forms of content creation. Content is Content…
When potential employers, higher educational institutions, military branches and even non-profit organizations view social media content, the created digital footprint is being followed and traced that teens create.
There is “no hiding” on the Internet no matter how “stealthy” a teen maybe they can always be found and tracked. Stated by Arthur Lopez
“Your Literacy Determines Your Survival in this ‘Super Competitive World,” so teens must be literate and intelligent in their content. Teens must realize the power and engagement of their posts. The exchange of ideas and knowledge by youth and teens, shows that their needs to be more engagement of youth in workshops, seminars, conferences and even professional development opportunities teaching about Social Media.
School guidance counselors are not trained properly in the area of digital technologies so school districts need to hire Social Media educators to regularly hold workshops to educate students in middle and high schools on etiquette, ethics and conduct online.
The strength of Social Media can be seen in music videos, advertising, movies and other entertainment exchanges. When programs such as “Scandal,” then mentions of Zombies and even animated shows are promoted, Social Media is the tool of choice that is out performing even traditional methods like radio and television. Parental involvement is needed because Social Media is a reflection of society. Teens and children cannot be allowed to roam free, there are too many hidden dangers.
The focus on Twitter is putting a youth and teens thoughts and feelings into a meager 140 characters (or less).
The limitations can be a benefit requiring thought and direction in how to share ideas. The ability to quickly share content can also be a hindrance when emotions get into play. This method of communication has proven to be a poor training ground for micro-messaging/micro-blogging discipline because words can be stated in the heat of passion tainted with profanity, slang, inappropriate cultural references and even bordering on prejudice, racism and sexism.
Twitter feeds do not vanish, disappear or evaporate with time they remain so the lack of basic intelligence by youth and teens can be a serious issue when they are Googled by future employers and higher education entities that may offer scholarships, internships and travel opportunities. Parents are role models and set the foundation on how technology should
be used in a productive and meaningful way.
Educators can be a link to online responsibility by sharing educational materials with parents to help students excel in learning, research abilities, writing/blogging skills and otherareas that empower and reinforce responsibility.
PBS Frontline documentary “Digital Nation” 2007 each generation that is involved in the creation of digital content is creating a paradigm shift in how higher education and businesses find information on future employees. Recruitment procedures have changed because of Social Media platforms.
To protect or reinforce proper use of the Internet parents must start “Googling” their children getting results that show how the media is being used and where information is posted. School districts and law enforcement are already doing this to be proactive in their efforts against Bullying/Cyberbullying, harassment, Sexting and potential explosive situations.
Depending on a teens behavior social media will allow people reading their content to base their decisions and perceptions about them. Teens should present a positive image of themselves, consider what they want others to think of them, tailor their delivery as to what platform to use effectively and understand that opinions and perceptions do matter online.
The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha should be commended on providing this summit for the community in the encouragement of sharing, intellectual growth and empowering teens. “Empowering Our Youth for a Brighter Tomorrow” Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. of Gamma Rho Omega Chapter, Inc. is just one of several summits for youth that will be available in the future for students in Jacksonville, Florida. For more information or questions, contact Ms. Lawrence at jax.eylyouthsummit@gmail.com.
Staff Writer; William D. Jackson
Find out more about this talented writer over at; OCS For Education.
