Hello, My name is Jonah Domingo. I grew up in Kapolei, Oahu. I went to Momilani Elementary in Pearl City from Kindergarten through sixth grade then went to Kamehameha Schools Kapālama from seventh grade until I graduated in May 2020. The following fall, I started my college career at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa where I majored in Natural Resources and Environmental Science. After my third semester, I transferred to the University of Hawai‘i - West O‘ahu and changed my major to creative media. If I were an artists tool, I would be a camera. I try to see things from as many different perspectives and angles as I can.
In the ever changing landscape of the digital age, social media has transformed from an electronic communication tool to a platform that reshapes the way we connect, communicate, learn, and conduct business. In just a generation, social media has evolved and become an integral part of our lives. This essay will explore the origins of social media, highlighting prominent platforms such as Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, and Tiktok. It will then discuss the many benefits of social media that have come about alongside its evolution such as its role in global communication and connectivity and its value as an educational and business tool. However, many drawbacks have come with the transformation of social media. Online harassment has become prevalent. Excessive usage can have negative effects on one’s health and well-being. Social media has also contributed to the spread of misinformation and brought about online privacy and security concerns. However, through digital literacy programs, mental health support, and constant improvement of social media platforms we can gain understanding of both the benefits and drawbacks to most effectively navigate this powerful tool.
The concept of creativity has come a long way. The Old Greeks would call those creative forces muses, other religions referred to them as God. Today people still mostly treat creativity as an aha moment outside the area of influence. However, just by looking at the creative process one can tell, that creativity and creative work is more than just that one "Aha-Moment" (insight). It is clear that generating ideas demands planning and preparation, identifying something of interest like a problem, an opportunity or a challenge, doing research. This then leads to thinking of a solution, allowing time to incubate and iterations before arriving at something “complete.” Students learn that hard work is what makes their ideas come to life and sticktuiveness is what helps them get better.