In my own life, I often write on the internet. Commonly I make use of Reddit, a social platform that is divided into subsections called subreddits. On each subreddit, there are particular topics/sectors of interest that Redditors – users of the app – may follow and post on. On these posts, there are multiple interactions with other Redditors including commenting, liking, downvoting, etc. Most commonly posts are often open-ended, linking stories from the news or pictures of cute animals that Redditors may own. Specifically, I use Reddit for financial discussions pertaining to the United State’s stock market, with most of my time spent on equity performance and analyst – equities being shares of stocks. By interacting with other Redditors on their opinion pertaining to different assets, whether it be equities or macroeconomic events, I am introduced and challenged in thought as to different opinions on the possible future and movement of the stock market and its respective companies. I think of this platform as a public location due to the audience that I am interacting with. By utilizing the internet and its miraculous ability to communicate with – almost anybody – I am able to transfer thoughts and have open-ended discussions, making it a public entity. My anonymity allows me the freedom to not be judged by those that may personally know me and have disagreeing opinions, further establishing my usage of Reddit as a public location and not private. In a private scenario, I may hold back my tongue and opinions if there is a situation where speaking my opinion would just lead to bad endings.
Another place I often write would be noted in the form of typing for the various classes I take in Baruch. These notes are a collection of important details that may later appear on assignments/tests or even just interesting thoughts a professor may mention. Because these notes are most often only shared with myself, I would consider this type of writing public. The intended audience, in which I write for under this medium, would be a selective group of people. I may have grammar mistakes, improper spelling, and English is written in ways that I can personally understand. I would not utilize this style of writing however on a major assignment, professional email, or any other form of public writing. The prime implications from moving from this private entity to a public one are that there is then a realization of judgment that can be cast upon writers. Whereas in a private medium, where I don’t mind my spelling and language mistakes, a public medium shuns such errors and creates judgment from peers onto me.