Social Networking and Influence

Social networking is nothing new to our generation, but the possibilities that continue to grow are endless and ever-changing.  These social networks seem to be everywhere we look.  From Facebook and twitter to Linked In or Second Life the change is rapid. There are so many connections between so many different groups of people its crazy.  You can add one word on your Facebook profile or declare a graduation year and be connected to hundreds of thousand other people.
These Social Networks also carry a lot of influence. Whether its influence on people's lives or to who we befriend, the possibilities never stop.  We are now in the 21st century not only influenced by the people that we are surrounded by, but by our social networks. All of these things have come to have a  large impact on our personalities and habits.  We talked about in class about how "liking" is one of the main influences that a person can have on another person.  I believe the main thing that impacts us is physical attractiveness.  This is the deciding factor in whether or not to approach someone or to message them online.  For example, if you were to create a online dating profile you are required to upload a picture.  This requirement is because studies have shown and its been proven the how attractive someone is does matter. The next step in the process is to find out if there are similarities in that person.  These similarities allow us to further the relationship and to feel "comfortable." Overall whether or not you think social media has a effect on your life, it ultimately does.  These days all people have to do is google your name and hits come up.

Women in the Workplace

I agree with Sandberg, women do put a lot of the problem on themselves. Women today are just not making to the tops of many professions. Women are making too many excuses rather than just jumping into the game and furthering their career or position in firms.

I googled the numbers and found out in political ranks women are only 10% of the workforce, in Corporate its about 16%, and in non-profit is about 22%.  In my mind I always thought more non-profits were run by women so that number surprised me the most.

There are many causes of the inequality today. One that jumps out at me is more women choosing to stay at home and leaving the workforce for good or a longer period of time. Being a woman myself I can understand the desire to stay home and be a housewife and mother, but its desire that is causing a downturn in women in higher ranks. Seniority matters in corporate America in many firms so periods of not being in the office can sustainably hurt a woman. Another reason in my opinion is the intimation factor. Women have always fallen back on the fact they its more acceptable for them to ask for help rather than a man. That notion falls back on gender roles.  Men are supposed to be the bread winners, the do-it and get it done type and women are supposed to take care of the kids, home, and day to day activities.  Corporate America is described as a battlefield and from a very early age war isn't something women are described in and thought to belong to.

As for what can be done....Women can remind themselves they are smart enough, driven enough, and confident enough to do the job at hand.  That sometimes you have to roll up your sleeves and get down to work.  Women need to become of a doer rather than a spectator. They need to voice a voice in the workplace and make their presence known. Those gender roles we have all become a custom to need to be put aside and the "50/50" rule should be adopted by a husband and a wife.  Finally they need to realize their only job doesn't have to be to stay home with the kids. You can have the best of both worlds with hard work and dedication, be a career-woman, as well as a great mother. The inequality in the workplace needs to be a higher priority, it is the 21st century!!!!!!!