The McKenna Edit

 All social media platforms have grown to be known as a way users can portray a chosen reality rather than showing their true reality. Instagram was originally known for having the new filter feature added to the app. These filters are meant to enhance photos in a variety of ways. That already affects the reality of what someone is posting. Along with that the entire concept of social media is choosing to share parts of a user's life that they want to share. For example, an influencer might have difficulties in their personal life but at the same time post an aesthetic photo of themselves at a coffee shop with the caption, 'The best day ever.'  Instagram has been known for the filters in the app, the use of alternate editing apps, specific angles, and strategic captioning. There is the "messy hair and no makeup" look as well. Posting nice photos on Instagram to have an "aesthetic grid". All of those tactics help users show a certain image of themselves. ...

 Spring break could not come soon enough. I honestly have been proud of myself for keeping somewhat good track of all my assignments and responsibilities with the organizations and clubs I am involved in. But that does not make it any easier or less overwhelming at times. I am the person who always loves to keep my schedule busy but recently I have been wishing I had one day where something did not pop up to add to my list of things to do. That is why I am extremely excited to escape for a little bit over spring break.  Sadly, I am not traveling anywhere warm like a lot of people I know are. I luckily got my refresh of that when I went to Florida over winter break so I am not too upset. I am simply just excited to go home and see family and friends that I have not seen in a long time. I am hoping to get back to my old dance studio to teach a few private lessons and classes. I always enjoy going back because I have a true passion for coaching and I love to do it any chance I ca...

 Facebook is noted to be the most used social media platform in the world. Various generations use the app for numerous reasons. Some people use it multiple times a day or possibly only check it once a week. What is not debated about Facebook are the various privacy issues and concerns the public has encountered since the app was created.  Facebook has been facing privacy issues and controversy close to the beginning of the platform's existence. It began with the first scandal in 2007 when they were publishing users purchases from other sites to friends' Newsfeeds. This was done without the user's clear consent. This first scandal was followed by many other concerns and incidents throughout the years which could make users or potential users worried to keep using the app. In just the past twelve years Facebook has had numerous data breaches where hundreds of millions of users have been affected and personal information and data has been leaked.  Along with the privacy sca...

 This past Saturday was Valentine's Day but I celebrated Galentine's Day instead. On Friday, Alpha Xi had a Galentine's Day party. This was such a great event where we had card making and a small gift game. There were snacks and little desserts that were delicious. So many girls were there so it was really nice to catch up with everyone all together and as always there were so many fun stories and laughs all night. Sometimes it is rare to find a time for all of us to be at the same place all at once. When so many of us were able to come to this it was exciting. All of us were excited to relax and of course dress up in pink and red and take cute pictures.  On Saturday I originally had plans to go to Ohio State University where one of my closest friends goes to school. I planned to visit and hangout with her. But, Friday my car began to have a couple issues and the check engine light came on which made me a bit nervous. I immediately called my dad (because I know nothing abou...

 A company or brand having a specific target audience is crucial to success and making a profit on social media. Making content tailored to the average audience's likes or interests will show those viewers that the brand is taking the time to understand their audience. Brands can use the information of their target audience in a social media audit by showing a behavior and interest analysis, content performance evaluation, what channels are stronger than others and finding gaps in content by being able to communicate with the audience through platforms.  Another important concept I believe is just as important as hitting that target audience is reaching audiences who might not be as interested but using content that will get them interested. An example that matches this idea perfectly is when the final season of the show "The Summer I Turned Pretty" came out this past summer. Many brands including the NFL and the specific team accounts were posting content on TikTok about...

"I never have a moment where I have nothing to do." This was the exact line I said to my dad when I was on the phone with him this past week. I have found myself repeating that exact phrase various times in my college career so far. I feel like every time I finish an assignment or task I need to get done for a class or club there is always something else that immediately comes up. It is so easy to get behind as well. If there is even one assignment that I wait to do it just gets thrown into the pile with the other assignments that come up the next day. So when I decided to really push through this week and knock out everything on my to-do list it was a great and accomplishing feeling.  This semester I am taking five classes along with being in a sorority and being the vice president of public relations for the Panhellenic Council. I am very grateful to have those extra involvements on campus but it always keeps me busy. I have a running to-do list I need to get done each day ...

For my social media class at college we had an assignment where we had to create our own podcast episode with a guest who has experience in the social media and marketing industry. I chose my former dance coach, Nicole Ziska. Nicole was previously the lead marketing director at the mobile dance company, Dance to Evolve and is currently the lead marketing director at Midwest Cheer and Dance Elite Cleveland, a large cheer and dance company in Cleveland, Ohio. It was so inspiring to talk with her about her experiences and advice in the world of social media, marketing and more specifically marketing in the dance industry.  We discussed things such as what she sees is important to look at when it comes to posting content. She made a great point about how there are numerous studios around Midwest so it is important to have content that makes them stand out compared to other competitors. After the podcast I had mentioned to her how great of a point it was because it tied directly into wh...

This past Tuesday I had to give my first speech in my presentational speaking class. The worst part wasn't even the fact that I had to give a speech it was the fact that we weren't allowed to have any notecards to assist us. Our entire speech had to be a natural conversation that we could do off the top of our heads. I knew that this class was going to push me outside of my comfort zone but I am happy I am taking it because I know it will be worth it for my future.  I don't have a terrible fear of public speaking but it is not something I particularly enjoy either. I know some people absolutely hate it and some people actually enjoy it but I am more in the middle. If I have to public speak I will be nervous but at the end of the day I know i just have to get it over with and try to make it the best I can. I am a person who usually can get straight to the point when I am talking so trying to naturally keep talking was a challenge. But, my professor had us start our speech pr...