Florida State University’s Catholic Student Union uses modern genres of communication as elements such as social media, websites, and other technologically advanced forms of relations gain popularity in society. For example, Facebook has over 175 million active users and 75% of all Internet users utilize social media (Haenlein and Kaplan 59). This shows how prevalent social media is in today's society. As this organization I based in a college town, the audience that they are communicating to is a deciding factor when considering the use of genres like Twitter, Facebook or even PowerPoint presentations. CSU is aiming their services at college aged students who are considered digital-natives. Digital natives are members of society who we raised with technology, have always had exposure to these resources and had an active comprehension of how they work. The audience of a young crowd is the main reason for the integration of technology in the CSU and Catholicism as a whole.
https://www.facebook.com/fsucatholic/?fref=ts
First off, we’ll discuss the use of Facebook within CSU. Their Facebook page is open to the public, has nearly 2,000 likes and a 5 star rating. The page utilizes photos, events, status updates, applications and videos to communicate with their audience. The aesthetics are pleasing with a clean logo for their profile picture and a candid group photo for the cover. They also have contact information readily available and a map pf their location. CSU also typically replies to messages within an hour. The aspect I found most interesting was the relaxed diction and underlying humor within their posts. Setting up this relaxed avenue of communication is welcoming and rids the intimidation that is associated with getting involved with a new organizations. Judging by the popularity of the page, their use of Facebook as a genre is working in their favor. According to my interview, Facebook is mostly used Facebook for invites which get people to go to the events, but the conversation is where the message of Catholicism is actually communicated. Further, not only is the organization well-liked on Facebook, but highly rated. As members of the community get involved they actually enjoy their experience and feel compelled to share their experience with others. In addition, the creation of Facebook events keeps follower of the page in the loop and allows for a large audience to be exposed to the event plans. Posting events to the Internet rather than just spreading by word of mouth is much more effective in increasing anticipation and attendance.
https://twitter.com/CatholicNoles
Now, let’s discuss use of Twitter in the Catholic Student Union. Their Twitter is under Catholic Noles and has 240 followers. This account is also active with recent tweets and updates on upcoming events. They follow the church in which the organization is based and Pope Francis. The current Pope does have a Twitter account which is updated regularly with words of wisdom and boasts 7.66 million followers. With Catholicism claiming to be one of the oldest religions in history, there has been a shift from the traditional genres previously used, as seen in the use of Twitter. With the Internet at their disposal and a constantly changing society, integration of technology is both amusing and insightful. It is not only a change for organizations at schools, but this movement is working its way up to the top of Vatican leadership. Statistics show that teenagers are more likely to experience religion through Internet interactions rather than traditional communication. (Lövheim) With this fact in mind, the way the church interacts with their members is undergoing reconstruction.
Social media is not the only genre CSU utilizes on a regular. When attending spirit night at the Catholic Student Union, genres such as PowerPoint presentation and YouTube videos were used as supplementary material to public speaking and singing. Upon the beginning there was singing that everyone was welcomed to take part in. YouTube videos of the song with lyrics helped the members of the group join in. A leader of the church spoke about discipleship and used a PowerPoint presentation to give the audience a visual of what he spoke on. As earlier mentioned, the audience is college students who are considered to be digital natives. Technology supplementing the learning process has been a part of the audience entire life. This what the members are accustomed to and implementing these tactic is in hopes of having the students gain a greater understanding of topics within the Catholic faith. In addition, the presence of lyrics being displayed on the overhead projector encourages participation and also shows a dedication to a current controversy in the Catholic faith. With environmentalism being a concern of Pope Francis, refrain from printing out unnecessary materials shows a respect for this issue and an avoidance of hypocrisy.
https://www.facebook.com/fsucatholic/?fref=ts
Further, the Catholic Student Union has its own website. The website is well-formatted providing visitors with interesting group photos, a description of the organization, an event calendar, and more. Having an effective and usable website not only attracts an audience, but encourages them to get involved. The visual aspect are very important because it is a living representation of the Catholic Student Union. In addition, when researching organizations finding a nice website is comforting and welcoming to potential members. A well-crafted website not only communicates a level of dedication and professionalism, but legitimacy. The website also displays the selection of activities that are offered within the organization such as Bible study, sports and even retreats. Intersectional communication is key to strengthen relations within the religion (Bowman and Park). These opportunities for activity communicates to the reader that CSU isn’t just a church group, but many organizations that are welcoming of those with varying interests.