To better understand the relationship women have with the internet and social networks, Longwood's Digital Education Center (DEC) brought nationally renowned speaker Dr. Josie Ahlquist to talk to students about technology and how to better themselves over social media.
As the keynote speaker for the university's Digital Citizenship Week, Ahlquist led the discussion on Wednesday evening in Blackwell Hall.
“My approach to educating students on social media is one of empowerment and empathy. I throw out past attempts that include what not to post, shame or scare tactics around social media - because who wants to be scolded and talked down to for an hour,” said Ahlquist.
Using personal stories to connect with the students at the event, Ahlquist's presentation titled, "Being a Chick in Cyberspace," opened the eyes of attendees who didn't realize the effect social media can have.
“Social media affects people, you don’t really think about it, but it does,” said senior nursing student, Celeste Truban.
Ahlquist examined relatable social media platforms frequented by college students, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Bringing in her own background as a blogger and higher education consultant, Ahlquist said she started her business using Twitter. She encouraged the audience to take advantage of connecting through social media with popular hashtags or following businesses and people in order to find jobs.
“Let your values fuel what you post, so your digital reputation is exactly what you want the world to know about you,” said Ahlquist.
Much of the crowd contained students from sororities that required their members to attend the talk. While the presentation focused on women, the overall message of making one's social media more useful carried weight for the whole audience.
“There were times it was more for females, but she did also give advice for the guys,” said Marshall.
Being able to find a job by using one’s favorite social media wasn’t something anyone expected to hear about at the presentation. Dustin Pechart, a junior in liberal studies concentrating in elementary education, said the event should be something mandatory for the campus, not just the fraternities and sororities on campus. He found the event to be helpful for using technology, as well as for working alongside women in his career and understanding their perspective.
Dr. Josie Ahlquist spoke with students about women's positive and negative encounters on the internet.
Dr. Josie Ahlquist spoke with students about women's positive and negative encounters on the internet.
Dr. Josie Ahlquist spoke with students about women's positive and negative encounters on the internet.
