Networking using social media is a way that people can connect with each other by building and enhancing relationships in ways that have been made much simpler and more common by use of the internet. Social media has helped expedite this process like none other, as connections between people can be made quicker and easier than in the past.
There are numerous motivators that encourage individuals to participate in networked publics, but I would attribute the largest piece in the motivation puzzle to be FOMO (fear of missing out). As the world grows each day, social media is there to document anything and everything that is going on, and no one wants to miss a minute of the action. By using social media to the best of its abilities, people are able to stay up to date with different things occurring around the world on a magnitude of scales. This can range from seeing a picture of your newborn niece in another part of the world and catching up with your loved ones in different time zones, to watching a press release and receiving information about something newsworthy. Other things that may motivate people to participate in networked places include personal gain, such as connections with followers or moving up the social ladder. Every reward comes coupled with risk, and there is plenty of that in public communications. Risks associated with public communications may be comprising your reputation or finding yourself in a situation will less than pleasant individuals. Rewards associated with public communications may be expanding your network and connecting with more like minded people within your communities.
A digital identity is the version of an individual or an organization that is portrayed on social media. The approach to digital identity, whether personal or professional, affects the use of social media in many ways, such as the type of interactions that are occurring. On a personal level, people may be less thoughtful about what they are putting onto the internet, whereas professionals may be more cautious about what they are posting. This could result in professionals censoring the content they post, creating a false depiction of who they truly are. Benefits of the convergence of digital identities can be the fostering of communities that come together to help in areas that need assistance.
The internet is an extremely powerful tool. When used for good, wonderful people can find their way to each other, and incredible things can happen.