Media Censorship in Russia and the World

During my final week of classes I finished a video project for my globalization and technology class. I'd like to share this project because it displays the importance of rhetoric and free speech across the globe.

Media censorship has continued to be a problem for individuals, journalists and even internet service providers. While communist countries such as Cuba and China are able to fully block online and print information from the reaching the public, others desperately try to limit informtion without stepping over the bounds of democracy.

In particular, Russia had begun to crack down on freedom of press about a decade ago as journalists, photographers and editors were threatened to release anything negative about Russia and its government. As a consequence, about 22 media professionals were killed in order to silence their stories and information.

As a country known for its multitude of freedoms, America does not allow for the government to control the media. Consequently, the public takes the use of media for granted because Youtube, Facebook, Google and the rest of the internet is available at any time without any censorship.
Allowing news and information to be censored in other countries severely limits rhetoric's ability to cause positive change in the world. Silencing one reporter indirectly silences millions of people who do not receive that information.

So how can we address the censorship happening around the world, leading to the deaths of journalists seeking the truth?

We can use our freedoms to continue their message. We can tweet, blog, post, chat and record information so that others know what is going on. Just maybe it can lead to a positive future filled with change for the better.

Linking in to the Future

With all the various social media tools out there it becomes difficult to know what sites and services to join. All of the various social media tools can benefit corporations with awareness and reputation management, but individuals searching for jobs don't always get the same results. Facebook can be too informal and Twitter doesn't apply to interviews so what's left?

The answer is Linkedin. This website is not just a social media tool, but also a major corporate networking site. Knowing how to correctly display your information and make contacts can build your reputation with future employers. According to blogs such as How to Change the World and TechRepublic, there are five main ways to use Linkedin correctly. When put together, you can create a greater online footprint and a positive reputation when entering the corporate world in search of a job.

The first way is to increase your visibility and improve your connections online. Instead of adding only a current job position, it is important to add all previous jobs and positions so you can create more connections. The more connections you have, the higher your name will appear on search results.

The second step is to improve your Google Pagerank by using search engine optimization. Those with Linkedin accounts show up pretty high on Google searches but you must select a public profile with a full view. Also customizing your profile's URL address to your actual name increases visibility so your profile can easily stand out in a search. Not only is your profile self-promoting, but it is also self-monitored so you have the power to control the information that others see.

The third step is to perform a reverse company reference check. Linkedin has a tool that allows companies to check references you provide on your profile, but you are also able to check the references of your future employer and company. Not only can you find out information from former employees, but you can also find out background information on your future employer. Background research gives you an advantage in the interview and could help you establish common ground with your employer.

The fourth step is to learn about the health of your company. Searching your company by unchecking the “Current Companies Only” box allows you to view former employee profiles and determine the turnover rate. Also contacting former employees will help you determine if the company is a right fit or if there are unknown risks involved with working there.

The final step is to ask for advice using Linkedin Answers. This new feature allows you to ask a business related question to people in your network or in a wider forum. It allows you to get a real answer from people who have direct links to the topic and it can help you understand your industry or company much better.

Just because social media exists doesn't mean everyone needs to jump onto every site and network. Choosing quality over quantity by using the right forum in the right way can ensure a successful interview and career. Using Linkedin is the best social media tool a recent graduate can use and it can lead to so many new opportunities and contacts that Facebook, Twitter and other sites can't provide.