The Social Dilemma Review

I believe no person in the United States today is not influenced by a social media platform. Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, social media's presence has grown exponentially and engulfed millions of people's lives. What was started to simply connect people far apart from each other, to share lives and positivity with others, has become a tool of control and division. While there are still some good aspects of social media, it is not wise to avoid the negatives as well. The Netflix documentary, The Social Dilemma, gives insight into how social media companies operate and their primary goals. 

In the documentary, there are interviews with former social media employees, social media experts, and people with some background in social media. Some of these people explain that they have experienced the drastic change of social media over the years, their influence, and reasons why they left the companies they were a part of. They continue to discuss the overall impact of social media on the minds of people, specifically of younger generations that grew up alongside social media platforms. A few of these experts have tried to put a pause on or call out some of the aspects that are harmful to the public. Even when they had all the power and factors, it was only dismissed and forgotten. This forced these experts to leave and begin to advocate for controls on social media. Other experts and employees stated it is hard to avoid the influence of social media, but controlling it must be a primary objective. They've even controlled it in their own households. One of the most talked-about subjects is the spread of misinformation. This only hurts society and pushes people away from each other. Social media has led to strong democracies to crumble over false accusations and information. 

My opinion of the documentary is overall positive. I liked the side story with the family battling over the control of phones in everyday life. This portion allows the audience to relate to the real world, where people have become so addicted to their devices and have become easily influenced by outside forces. This resulted in them being hurt socially and physically, dragging others into messes that didn't need to happen. I believe this documentary is a great way for the world to know of the dangerous effects of social media and begin to think of the time they spend on it, what they read, and how it might affect their real life. I liked this documentary and I would highly recommend it to others. 

ONU Life Poem #13 "Art of Nature"

When life is giving you troubles, one of the things you could do is to paint. Painting is a way to really allow your emotions to be free and to express yourself in a personal way. This doesn't require you to charge your phone, open an app, and find a funny picture just to make you happy. The art of painting allows you to find enjoyment in the smaller things. It makes you appreciate the nature around you. The time and patience that goes into a canvas allow you to create your own world. You're not beholden to anyone but yourself. You don't have to worry about likes, subscriptions, pop-up ads, or haters on the internet. Painting is for you and you alone, if that is what you want. 

Almost every weekend, I like to paint. As of now, I have been working on the same canvas for about five weeks. I tend to keep my paintings to myself, but I do post one image on Facebook after I complete it. I don't really care about likes or comments, I just want to express myself in a positive way that shows I'm satisfied with what I do. I hope that others in my friend group will be inspired to do the same, but that is up to them if they pull through with it. For me, painting allows me to cool down and turn my attention away from the chaotic world around me. It allows me to connect with myself and the subject in my work. For the most part, I focus on nature scenes, landscapes, or mysterious/magical environments for ancient tales. That is what makes me happy, and it is something I plan on doing for a long time. I must say, the hardest part is trying to clean paint off my fingers. Some paint acts more like a liquid than a paste. Still, even the things that don't seem practical are useful in other ways.

If painting is not your desire, that's okay. There are always activities that allow you to take a break from the world around you and be connected to something pure as nature. Still, painting or listening to music are some ways to interact with the world without interacting with the negatives. Painting can help find inner peace and allow your mind to be as creative as you want. If you could remember this, all works of art are for the artist's pleasure and no one else's. This means that the art you create, if it satisfies you, then it is a true masterpiece. It doesn't matter what anyone else says, art is beautiful always. As long as you believe in yourself, that is the true value of art. Still, be careful of what you paint. Art is personal, but don't make it offensive or disgusting. Art must still be respectable and welcoming. 

Painting is an interesting and liberating hobby. Never doubt those who paint, draw, or write music. These are people who are free and want to let their minds be free. I hope that some of you can paint from time to time. I hope you all find something you like that connects you with the world that doesn't involve an electronic device. 

Nature is true art

That comes from the soul and the heart

Never look away

You'll be led astray

For the beauty of the world is a fresh start 

Chapter 11 'Marketing with TikTok"

Just to be clear, I dislike TikTok. It is not just because of my political standpoint, but other factors as well. For some reason, I have something against popular things or fads during a period. I think I've said this before, but I'm not on a whole lot of social media and find it annoying and addictive. There are good things about it, but I don't think the benefits outway the negatives of it. Still, I can't speak for everyone. This is just my personal opinion. TikTok just seems a little redundant to other platforms available nowadays, and honestly, it takes up too much time in people's lives. I know people have built their careers on TikTok and make good money. Also, expressing their creative sides as well. Still, people could use other platforms for this. 

Despite my criticisms about the social media platform, there are benefits to businesses that should not be ignored. In Chapter 11, it explains that TikTok has become a worldwide sensation, gaining hundreds of followers almost every year. It has made its way into the lives of very influential people and groups. These factors can help businesses with advertising their products, gaining new customers, and expanding their influence to other areas of the world. TikTok allows for businesses to set up their own accounts, same like other platforms, and create fancy videos that draw people in like catnip. TikTok is unique in that it provides some services not found on other platforms. It positions itself as a short video machine, unlike Instagram or YouTube. Still, that is the only thing, in my opinion. It does have shops for buying products and bidding functions. It is evolving with messaging tools, similar to maybe Twitter.

Regardless of what the chapter says, TikTok will never be a part of my life. I'd rather be stuck in Antarctica than make an account. Still, I can't deny the tools or influence it has. There are some good aspects, but none that draw me in. For businesses, I can see its value. It allows businesses to spread their influence and sell products. It also keeps businesses relevant and modern. Though I hope in the future some other platform comes in and takes TikTok off the map. Even though I dislike TikTok, I'm not saying that you can't use it. If it makes you happy, go right ahead. Just don't expect me to fall into this rabbit hole of confusion and chaos. 

ONU Life Poem #12 "Night Life"

When referring to "night life", I don't mean partying or staying up till three in the morning. I'm referring to the natural life that goes at night, whether human or not. There is much that goes on after the sun sets, and sometimes we kinda forget about it. For some of us, thinking of going out at night is frightful and dangerous. Well, when you live in a town or city, it can be. However, for others like me, nightlife is an amazing experience. The beauty of going out in a familiar yet unknown environment is very interesting and exotic. For some reason, the places you recognize during the day, like a tree or barn, look very different at night. The lack of light messes with your eyes, you see the object in a different color, and possibly don't see it at all, and run into it. 

Many creatures wander through the night. Living in the rural countryside, animals are quite common, whether it be during the day or night. Still, seeing night creatures is interesting and beautiful. During the summer, I go outside quite a bit, so I've encountered my share of animals. I have seen opossums and raccoons, and even bats at dusk. Though encountering such creatures is short-lived. Most run off before you see them. Others are too fast and sporadic with their movements, like bats. Still, I've managed to take some pictures of some creatures at night. Some of them are just outdoor cat pictures, still, I've got some of the opossums. 

Not just the creatures are fascinating, but the sky above. The plentiful stars in the sky, the moon phases, and the planets moving about their orbits are always intriguing to look at. I know I've said this plenty of times in previous blogs, but it makes you wonder about how small and isolated our planet is. It opens your eyes by seeing a bigger universe where everything seems possible. There is a balance that many people ignore. People are so driven towards greed that and become blind to the many precious things around them. People spend too much time focusing on the future; they sometimes forget to enjoy the present. The Earth may be changing, but the night sky remains almost the same. While there is violence, pain, and suffering down here. There is peace and a new adventure that awaits above. There are still great things here on Earth, like the life that walks through the night, the peaceful sounds of the weather, and the smell of the environment around. There is also friendship, but not just between two people. There must also be a friendship between people and nature, both during the day and the night. We must be aware of everything around, at all times. We must all learn to enjoy what we have before it is taken away. 

Star light, star bright

This light, never leave my sight

I wish for peace 

I hope it'll never cease 

Always shine on a dark and unsure night

Creatures of the night

Come forth into my sight

Let your souls live

You have nothing to give

But guarantee that you're alright

Chapter 10 "Marketing with YouTube"

No one from our generation has grown up without YouTube. It has become a significant staple in our society and a necessity to make it through the day. Whether it be to watch episodes from your favorite sitcom or to watch a music video you made in high school. YouTube has become vital for our mental and social survival. Growing up, I never really saw YouTube as a social media platform. I was more focused on how to get three stars on an Angry Bird level. Still, there were some hints along the way that suggested to me that YouTube was able to bring people together like Facebook or Twitter. However, YouTube is unique in that it primarily focuses on videos rather than picture posts. I consider myself lucky to have grown up in an age where YouTube had little to no ad activity. Nowadays, YouTube is polluted with ads. It gets tiring and annoying at times. "No, I don't want Little Ceasars or a code for Old Spice body wash", I constantly say while watching a tip on how to cook cookies the Victorian way. Luckily, I have an ad blocker. Ironically, it was from a YouTube ad. Go Figure. 

Now that I got my experience and grievances out of the way, let's talk about the chapter. Chapter 10 was interesting. As stated previously, I never really considered YouTube a social media site, let alone a way for businesses to advertise themselves. Still, as YouTube has evolved over the years since 2005, it has become very popular for companies and businesses to advertise their products or services on it. It has also been very effective to connect with influencers to promote some products. I know that some YouTubers will take a short break to talk about products they use regularly. It is very tempting to see someone you follow enjoy a product that you may find useful. However, I'm Mister Cheapscake and don't like to spend a whole lot of money on something that could be too good to be true. The chapter does a great job in explaining how to use YouTube effectively and seems to be easy in organizing. One can choose their profile picture and manipulate thumbnails. Even connecting one video to another related video or a company site for a possible purchase. 

I probably won't use YouTube in my lifetime, whether to make content or buy a product. There seem to be a lot of uncharted waters on this platform. I think rewatching my favorite videos and listening to music will take up most of my YouTube time. Still, the value of advertising and selling products on YouTube is very high. YouTube is very popular and contains some of the top influencers across social media. Though, TikTok and Instagram may be edging ahead in some regards. YouTube has fought back effectively with the introduction of Shorts and TV services. I wait to see how YouTube evolves to the changing times. I commend this chapter for explaining YouTube in a new light. 

ONU Life Poem #11 "Going Home"

One of the most exciting things I can think of is being able to go home on the weekends. However, I'm probably not the only one who agrees with this statement. I also believe there are a lot of people who would disagree or even be upset with this as well. Still, since my freshman year at ONU, I have been going home almost every weekend for many reasons. The main reason is for my mental health. I enjoy the calming nature of the countryside and the day-to-day chores. I feel like I can be productive in other ways that don't relate to studying or assignments. I also have a part-time job. 

Having the ability to go home also connects my family with the campus. It feels great to have my family be able to interact with campus life from time to time. It honestly makes campus feel more like home then. Though I know ONU is only temporary, it could also be considered a stepping stone or waiting room to adult life. You begin to become more independent, relying less on your parents or guardians for support and interaction. You develop new bonds with others, obtain new responsibilities and look to the future.  Some of us may go home and stay with our parents for a little while after graduation, though we still are in the process of growing our own lives as well. It is better to develop in familiar surroundings than just go off into the world with no plan or foundation to keep you steady. 

The old saying goes, "Home is where the Heart is". I believe that's some sort of Hallmark romance or drama of some sort as well, but it is true in some respect. I can understand that campus may be an escape from home life, but still, campus is only temporary. Whether you like it or not, you will have to find home. Home doesn't always have to be with family. It could be with your friends, pets, or just the nature around you. Wherever your heart wants to be, that will be your home. You will never be homeless if you have a heart with love and passion. Still, home should be a respectable and decent place. Don't just call any place your home; make sure you survive. 

As I finish, remember that home is wherever you want it to be. Always find a warm place with people you care about who care for you. If you ever go home one weekend or break, just remind yourself to find peace and relaxation. Also, take care of your surroundings. A dirty home is not a good home. Chores may be tedious, but they are necessary to have a livable home. I hope you can be happy wherever you go, whether that be home or your future career.

Home on the range or in the sea

Home can be anywhere you want it to be

In a house or a car

Whether it be near or far

Home is wherever you feel free

Social Media Workshop Review

Ohio Northern University hosted a Social Media Workshop on April 4, 2025. This event was to highlight and explore the successes and risks of social media in marketing and business development. Lecturers from around the area came to provide students and local business leaders with advice for operating social media to strengthen their businesses or develop a social media plan for future business leaders. Their presentations lasted from a time frame of 30 minutes to an hour, detailing the positives and negatives of social media. There was also a strong focus on artificial intelligence as well; most of them supported the use of AI and caution from overrelying to much. 

My reaction to the workshop was mixed. As a political science major, most of what I have to deal with is understanding what people say or do on social media rather than thinking about possible business slogans to attract customers. Furthermore, I was required to attend a social media class, so I couldn't opt out of going. Despite also having a seasonal migraine, I tried my best to see the positives of the workshop. In my opinion, the speakers seemed to know what they were talking about and really enjoyed their positions. They were very positive and humorous, always finding time to relate to their younger audience. Some speakers even reached out, asking and receiving questions from students and business leaders. They were very professional in their speech and didn't ignore anyone. 

When determining if there should be any changes to future workshops, I shouldn't be the first person to ask. There should be more dialogue with business and social media majors and minors before consulting the lone political science major. Still, I have some recommendations. Regarding the time, I believe it should be somewhere in the middle of the week, like a Tuesday or Thursday. Another possibility is to make it shorter. Instead of somewhere around six hours, it should lean more toward four. However, I have no criticisms of the speakers and the venue. The material was top-notch and very organized. 

Finishing it off, what I really enjoyed was the presentation from Melissa Ramaley from American Electrical Power. She had a long history of experience, not just in the position that she was in. She was very active and quite knowledgable about her field of study. She did a great job in explaining the positives of social media and how to use it properly, and warned against relying too much on AI. I also liked the little squirrels she gave out. I believe that all the speakers did well, and I was happy to be in attendance at the ones I chose to sit through. 

Would I go again? The answer is no. If I recommend it to someone who is in the field of business and social media, then the answer would be yes. 

ONU Life Poem #10 "The Value of Spring and Patience"

Does it feel like spring yet? Many of you would probably say "yes," with all the rain coming down over the past few weeks. Some of you would probably say "no" because of the persistence of cold temperatures throughout the weeks since March 20. Well, it is spring nonetheless, and soon the weather will match the season. We all must learn to be patient and enjoy the unique weather that the season gives us. Life doesn't always give us what we want. We must accept what we get and never complain. Complaining only leads to frustration, frustration leads to anger, and anger leads to suffering. I feel like I just quoted Star Wars, but there are still wise words that come out of a fantastic franchise. 

Spring is a time for rebirth and comfort. Demanding that the weather change immediately will not bring comfort; it will only bring misery and headache. We must herald in the season with positive minds and pure hearts. We must power through the rainy and windy weather, never be discouraged by cold afternoons, and ignore the random snowy days. However, never ignore them completely, or you might slip or fall if not careful. You must remind yourself that spring will come when it does. The season doesn't obey anyone's schedule other than its own. 

While waiting, why not enjoy the little aspects of the coming spring. Watch the flowers and leaves beginning to bud on branches. The animals leave their hibernation and explore the warming environment around them. Just go out in a calm and cool rain and walk around a little bit. Absorb the clean and new world around you. Something I enjoy doing is taking photos of nature to preserve the image of nature for a long time. I recommend you go out on a nice day and take a photo of some aspect of nature and keep it with you to remind yourself of a great spring day. That should hold you until the full effects of spring arrive. 

Spring is a unique season. It reminds us that rejuvenation is possible in our one-of-a-kind world of ours. It also reminds us to be patient and never to rush the art of nature. If we rush or are too critical of something, we will never learn to enjoy it. We must find peace before comfort. Spring is on its way, it will only be a matter of time. 

Spring has sprung, you say

I think you might be leaving me astray

The ground is still bare

There remains a chill in the air

How can it be spring? There is no possible way.

Be patient, my friend

Spring is here; don't pretend.

The blossoms are blooming

The insects are zooming

Now, do you comprehend

Chapter 9 "Marketing with LinkedIn"

 

At the beginning of the chapter, I had no idea how LinkedIn worked. It honestly seemed confusing and full of endless paths. I had no idea that I could be instrumental for advertisement. Well, the platform is mostly geared towards professional development in finding a job and boosting your presence in the world. In short, I came into this chapter with no idea of LinkedIn; however, the chapter allowed me to have a basic understanding of how it functions and how useful it is for advertising your business. 

Like most of the chapters before, Chapter 10 opened with the history of LinkedIn. It started by saying that it is one of the oldest social media platforms that is still relevant today. The platform has a wide reach across the world, especially in the United States. Many have said that LinkedIn is very educational and informative, keeping up with modern/current brands. This really attracts the businesses, not only to look for future employees, but to expand their advertising base as well. This platform has become a great tool for community engagement between employees and customers to have a more direct one one-on-one conversation. The page setup is pretty similar to other platforms. You must add a profile picture, the name of the company, and an about us section. At least this part is for a worthy cause to attract people to the page. Some areas allow customers to view products of a business to build leads and generate more business. Other areas allow employees to connect with each other, even if they don't personally know each other. In a way, this helps boost employee morale and trust amongst each other and the company. Then, the rest of the chapter focuses on how businesses advertise themselves through videos, pictures, polls, and events. This is pretty similar to other countries. 

LinkedIn is interesting. The platform is unique compared to others and has continued to adapt to the changing times since its founding. I don't know for sure if I would get into the platform. It is not a bunch of rubbish like other social media, but it still feels complicated to navigate. In a business aspect, it is very valuable to build customer and employee trust and awareness. I would possibly be interested in this platform, but I would probably ignore it. I forget it exists until the next notification. I hope you have a better relationship with it, and let me know how much you use it.