Social Media and the Internet in the Big Wide World

 Social media is a debatable topic for which I find essential yet detestable at the same time. 

Bear with me..........

We thrive and depend on Social Media/Internet as if it were a guardian or parent, we look to it for answers and guidance on a daily basis. As dancers we use social media to support our careers to an astronomical amount, we depend on it so much. Do we use it a bit too much? 

‘with a network of support that will help us when we are in need’ (Crisp and Turner, 2007 p.266).

As a professional dancer you begin as a fully formed business, to sell yourself, social media allows us to:

• Promote ourselves - using platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to advertise our skills, showreels, credits and images.  
• Access castings  - finding websites such as Starnow, Mandy Actors, Facebook and Spotlight to find the latest jobs and auditions. 
• Communication - to interact with other teachers and professionals in the dance community. 'form close relationships’ (Crisp and Turner, 2007 p.266)
• Teaching aids - to research online - using videos, instructions and opinions. Or teaching through online platforms such as Zoom or Teams, these platforms are also beneficial for meetings, interviews and auditions. 

There is something about the Internet that isn't daunting and unapproachable. Having a learning tool that is user friendly draws the individual to its environment. The internet  had made life significantly easier to access information, and this advantage alone is something that we cannot live without.

However as much as the internet is our friend it can also be our enemy. Social media has been a mechanism for bullying and depression. Platforms such as Instagram have encouraged filters and unrealistic expectations of our appearances.  

TikTok is something that I find particularly problematic in the dance industry, multiple amounts of insignificant dance routines and uniformed trends that speak little content or influence to the user. However people, especially the younger generation feel they need constant involvement to be "like everybody else", diminishing all individuality. 

As dancers we advertise ourselves through showreels. I feel this is equally an advantage and disadvantage.........

It allows us to show potential employers our capabilities without too much sacrifice, however you're judging someone based on a video. Is that enough? Is this truly ethical?

The Internet - Use Responsibly. 😱😱😱