Alex Levin - J198 Reflection

I wanted to start this reflection with an except from the “About Us” page on my Website, as I think it would better describe the effects J198, Multimedia Reporting, has had on my interests and career choices.

“Alexandra Levin, '11, is a Journalism major and Mass Communications minor.  Most recently, she has been on a social media frenzy, where her fascination for the Web has consumed her for the better.  Now a senior, she has been afforded the opportunity to delve deeper into the ever-growing and ever-evolving world that is the Internet.  This concept of a web-based society has intrigued her curiosity and she would love to learn more about the future of online media by working for a progressive Internet company post-graduation.”

Prior to taking J198, I knew very little about social media and the effects it has on every aspect of our society.  Although I was an avid user of Facebook, an excellent representation of social media at its finest, I still did not understand the bigger picture and how the Internet could positively change business transactions, customer service and relationships in general among others.  J198 has introduced me to a world of interconnectivity, and for that I am truly grateful.  Now, as I approach my last semester at Lehigh, it is time to start thinking about career choices and the industry I want to pursue as a post-graduate.  Multimedia reporting has influenced me so, to the point at which I want to pursue as career working for a progressive Internet company. 

I have learned that Twitter, specifically, has transformed the world in terms of promotion.  Prior to taking J198, I rejected the social media site, and thought it was another (and stupid) imitation of “status updates,” on Facebook.  I now understand and utilize somewhat to excess, the real function of Twitter, as it can essentially be used for self-promotion, community relations, crisis management, business promotion, and public relations.  Social Media, particularly Twitter, has transformed communication into a real-time forum. 

Blogging is another form of social media that has intrigued my curiosity.  Unlike Twitter, keeping a blog is more personal.  Instead of reaching an infinite amount of people, blogging targets an intimate group (your avid followers) where you can tailor your posts to their interests.  Blogging is a way to openly and freely express your personality and creativity through the Internet. In my opinion, the ability to post pictures, videos, and audio on online forums such as blogs, has rapidly changed the face of the news forever.  Now, it is common for news to break on consumer created websites.

I very much enjoyed the final project in J198, as it gave us an opportunity to combine everything we’ve learned throughout the semester and apply it to a real publicly accessible forum.  I was so happy with outcome of our final project.  We were able to combine text with audio, pictures, video, and podcasts, as well as include hyperlinks, and google maps, making for the perfect interactive site about the restaurant industry in Bethlehem.