One morning, I searched online for a product I was considering buying. Within minutes, advertisements for that same product appeared on websites and social media. At first, I appreciated the reminder because it helped me compare my options. By the end of the day, however, seeing the advertisement repeatedly made me feel watched and irritated. That experience showed me how quickly digital marketing can go from helpful to intrusive.

The Digital Media I Use Each Day

Digital media is part of my routine from morning to evening. I often start my day by checking Instagram and Facebook to see updates from family and friends, watch videos, and follow businesses that interest me. I enjoy discovering content related to beauty, travel, and lifestyle, especially when it gives me a useful idea or introduces me to a product I want to learn more about.

During the day, I also use LinkedIn to connect with professionals, explore career opportunities, and see what others share about their experiences. As a business student, I find it helpful to learn about different career paths and think about how I want to present myself professionally.

In the evening, I often visit Brightspace to review assignments, read course materials, and participate in class discussions. Having access to my courses online makes it easier to balance school with work and family responsibilities. I have also used Canva to create designs and explore branding ideas as I plan my future business. Its templates are easy to customize, even without a graphic design background.

My Reactions to Digital Media

Most of my experiences with digital media are positive. I appreciate being able to stay connected, find information, and access resources for school and my business. I also enjoy seeing creative content from other people and businesses.

At the same time, digital media can feel overwhelming. Too many notifications can be distracting, and repeated advertisements can make me question how much information companies collect about my online behavior. I like seeing content that is relevant to my interests, but I don’t want to feel pressured or watched every time I search for something.

Digital Media and Marketing Today

Marketing appears throughout the digital content I consume. Businesses use short videos, customer reviews, influencer partnerships, email campaigns, and social media posts to introduce products and services. A video might show someone using a skincare product, organizing a workspace, or preparing a meal. Seeing a product in an everyday setting makes it more appealing because I can imagine using it myself.

Reviews also play an important role in my purchasing decisions. When a review seems honest and includes both positive and negative details, I am more likely to trust it. Influencers can have a similar effect when their content feels natural instead of overly scripted. Still, I remember that some influencers are paid to promote products, so I consider whether their recommendations appear genuine.

Applying What I’ve Learned to My Business

These experiences have influenced how I think about marketing my future business. I could use photos and videos to show the space, explain what is included, and introduce potential renters to the community I hope to create. Behind-the-scenes content, information about amenities, and honest testimonials could help people understand the business before visiting.

As a customer, I am more likely to notice content that feels authentic, visually appealing, and helpful. That is the same experience I want to create for people interested in my business. Instead of overwhelming them with advertisements, I want to share useful information, communicate clearly, and build trust.