According to the Pew Internet & American Life Tech User quiz I am a drifting surfer. The quiz states that “drifting surfers are infrequent online users.” According to Horrigan drifting surfers consist of 14% of the general population. “Drifting Surfers have a fair amount of tech resources at hand. They will skip a day of using the internet without worry. And are likely to be emailing or checking news headlines when they do log on” (p. 74). I totally agree with the quiz that I am a drifting surfer this fits me. I really do not have time to be on the internet and I have all the devices to do so. I believe I’m only on the internet due to taking online classes. I do not do social networks and really do not have to keep up with the latest news due to my co-workers always keeping me updated. However, I do disagree with the Horrigan’s statement that “drifting surfer is slightly below average when it comes to online experience” (p. 74). This is definite not me I have plenty of experience I just choose not to get online unless I have to because I have other things to do. I think that some people need to detox form the internet because they cannot function without it.
Another type that would fit me would be the information encumbered. Horrigan states this group is well armed for the information age and thinks it is good to take a break from time to time (p. 82). I agree with this group and I have internet connect in my home, on cell phone, Ipad etc. I think I am a mixture of drifting surfer and information encumbered because I have qualities from both of them.
It is good to discuss other types of technology users because it allows you to define yourself as well as others. People find it hard to find themselves in different things but easy to point out someone else. The knowledge of the different types of technology users also helps with communication because provide an insight of what topics and type of language you could use while speaking with someone. For example, digital collaborators would be more likely to talk using text language (lol) than information encumbered.
Hi Stephanie,
I thought I am the bussiest Mom in the world until I read your introduction and Blog entry. I agree with you that people have other things to do than being online all the time. It is easier and cheaper to communicate with your freinds or family members using the Facebook, Skype, and Twitter, but I think it is also time consuming. It also would be more nice if you would call your Mom instead of sending an SMS or post a joke in your timeline. But,unfortunately, everybody is competing who has the highest tech to use and then we should all go with the flow so we won’t be old fashioned.
Hi Stephanie! My first thought was, “How on earth do you survive one day without using the internet?”, then I quickly reminded myself that people say the exact same thing to my husband and I when it comes to television. We do not watch much TV, nor do we have cable in the house. Our minds feel healthier and more productive when we spend time doing things that don’t involve sitting in front of the tube. People always ask us what we do every night after work since we don’t watch TV, and I am sure people have asked you how you connect with people or find out news in the media without logging on to the internet every day. Just because you are a “Drifting Surfer” does not mean that you are any less “in-the-know” when it comes to the latest news. The same goes for my hubby and I with television.
I like how you said it’s good to know the different technology types in order to better define ourselves as individuals. Like you, I believe this is an important aspect in such a face-paced society in order to respect where everyone is at in terms of their technological abilities.
I must ask…since you are not very adamant about being on the internet, do you enjoy taking online classes?
I enjoy taking internet classed because it fits well with my schedule. I don’t think I would get on the internet at all if it wasn’t for my school, my children school or work. I really don’t watch TV must either. When was the last time you can remember going a whole day without the internet. I some times feel people forget how they functioned before the internet.
I’m surprised to see we have a drifting surfer in the class. Did you say it fit your demographic, or no? I find it interesting that drifting surfers have all the devices and tools but choose not to use them as much as those who are motivated by mobility.
I agree that some of us probably allow ourselves to be consumed with new media technologies, and it’s good to have a balance. But I also think that you have to know how to use the new tools, especially as they continue to integrate themselves into the mainstream of our society. It affects life in so many ways. Our children could certainly be left behind if they fail to engage. But, as you said, there needs to be a balance. Traditional forms of communication should be not be neglected. I’ve seen too many people who are terrible at live, face-to-face presentations but are great at typing up proposals. I just don’t see face-to-face, live communication ever going away.
I actually learn how to use all the technology but for some reason it does not fascinate me. The technology is causing use to loose communication skills. It’s easy to tell people what you think they want to hear when you’re not face to face. It’s amazing how so many people sit in the same room with one another and text each other or facebook or twitter instead of just taking.
It was very interesting to read your point of view and user type! I sometimes think of “Drifting Surfers” as people who don’t know much about technology, or don’t want to learn. But, as you’ve pointed out, many people simply don’t have the time to get involved in Facebook and other time-suckers. It is always great to be able to step back and consider another viewpoint!
I am an ambivalent networker, but I have to say that your type also describes me. Especially about skipping the internet without no worry. I do not mind not being online all the time. I am glad to see your opinion on this type, because I think you are right that not everyone gets online because they do not have much knowledge, but some people simply choose not to. Also, like you some people are great with technology, but they just not have the time for it. Which at least you are still getting human interaction, because some people do not know what that is anymore.
I totally agree that some people no longer know what human interaction is. I really hate talking to people that only use text language. Every sentence is LOL or OMG. If technology continue to group our children will lack a lot of skills such as spelling, communication, problem solving etc if they make technology a number one priority.
These are the same things that have been said about every technology over time. The great ancient orators were extremely threatened by the technology of writing because it threatened what they believed in, the passing down and memorizing of great stories. My parents tell me in the 60’s that their parents were extremely bothered by their overuse of the word “cool” to describe anything positive. Their parents were terrified that this slang meant that they wouldn’t or couldn’t use appropriate adjectives despite their pricey private school education. Both went on to receive masters degrees and still use this slang on occasion. I think youth are always looking for a way to set themselves apart from their elders, and “text talk” is the new vogue way to do so. I agree that it is extremely annoying and I will be glad when its gone the way of the dodo and something new takes over.
I agree with numerous statements in your blog. Also, I consider myself a drifting surfer, despite the results of my quiz. This is mainly because I usually check out the internet for entertainment purposes. Like you, though, I can go a while without using the internet. Some people, such as me, probably do need help with this modern technology.
It is interesting to read your blog and the responses as it relates to an opening statement in our book regarding two types of reactions to digital media. “For many, the increased amount of mediated interaction seems to threaten the sanctity of our personal relationships.” Or “For others, new media offer the promise of more opportunity for connection with more people, a route to new opportunities and to stronger relationships and more diverse connections.
Personally, I see that the internet and social media can expose us to a lot of toxic information. However, the resources, connections, and communication abilities far out weigh these avenues if the user is properly trained to effectively use the internet to their advantage.
I agree with the statement from the book “For many, the increased amount of mediated interaction seems to threaten the sanctity of our personal relationships.” Many people do not create personal relationships any more everything is on the internet. People argue and tell all there business on face book and other social media networks. People are concern with increasing their friend list. How many friends would you say you have meet off the internet just randomly talking to people?
Being knowledgeable about the different types definitely encourages effective communication. I agree with the fact that people, when communicating with each other, should be able to adjust their ways and use of technology to communicate more effectively. I agree that people should consciously take breaks from their technology and use the time to reflect on how they communicate and ways they can communicate more effectively. I don’t think text talk will destroy communication skills completely. Once you learn something, it’s pretty hard to forget. I do think it would be beneficial if people would type out the full word(s). I do this when I text. I like to text, but I don’t use text talk most of the time. It’s probably necessary on Twitter since characters are limited, but in actual text messages, I don’t feel like the shortened versions of things save that much time. I do use LOL a lot though. Lol!
I agree that text language is use on the internet, texting and social media sites because it save time. However, I noticed that I have been receiving emails at work with text language in them and this is very inappropriate but this is done because people have become comfortable with using it. Like you said “once you learn something, it’s pretty hard to forget it.” Due to spending so much time on the internet, social media and using technology this language become normal language to some people and they use it everywhere unconsciously. Also many of the younger people use text language so much that they forget how to actually spell the words.
I really appreciated your point about how the different types of users aids us in being able to improve the way we communicate online. I think this is a vital aspect of interacting on the web that a lot of us tend to over look, so, thanks for the reminder.