After taking the Pew Internet Technology User Type quiz, I discovered that I am a “digital collaborator.” This title certainly does not surprise me in the least bit. According to my results, I am enthusiastic about the ways in which technology helps further my lifestyle. Technology is an easy way for me to share ideas and stay connected with family, friends, and the world around me. Most of my family members live in Minnesota, which is obviously not a hop, skip, and jump from Memphis. Thus, using media outlets such as Facebook and text messaging allow my family members and I to stay connected and see pictures of each other’s lives (and climate differences) on a regular basis.
I also see myself as an “ambivalent networker.” Sadly and more often than not, it does seem as though most of my communication with friends comes through texting or Facebook or email. Communicating face-to-face has become more and more difficult in a world where other media opportunities are presented to enhance the communication process. In terms of the value of discussing different types of technology users, I believe it is important for individuals to know their user type. Otherwise, it is possible for us to become less understanding and more impatient as to why others aren’t up-to-speed on technology. Knowing and understanding that other people operate on different social outlet levels allows room for more individual respect.
Hi Nicole,
Although I am not ambivalent networker or a Digital Collaborator user but I have a lot of things in common with you. I,too, use the email,texting, and Facebook to communicate with my friends and family members. But I do not feel sad but glad that I have it all. When I first came to the U.S. in 1993 the only way I was able to keep in touch with my family is by calling my mom only once a month using the landline telephone because it was so expensive to do so. I used to pay $4 for each minute. But today I chat with all my family members everday for free and know all about them using the Facebook and Skype :)
I also use texting and Twitter to communicate with friends on a regular basis. Do either of you feel that you have stronger relationships with your friends because you can keep in touch during the week with CMC or when you have out of town trips, are busy and would otherwise not be able to hang out with your friends?
One of my good buddies and his wife recently welcomed their first child in August. He is a heavy CMC user and early adopter. I stay ahead of the curve by following his lead. If it weren’t for his website, our phones, Twitter, etc. I’d probably talk to him anymore because he’s either working or at home with his newborn. But as it is, we still communicate very often via CMC. I feel that it’s helpful in our friendship.
I can only imagine how hard it used to be for people to communicate with their long-distance relatives. Technology certainly has improved many relationships, and I can see how you are enthusiastic about using it! I can also relate to how you feel face-to-face relationships are suffering as a result of the internet and cell phones. It is very difficult for me to feel very connected or deeply involved in my friends’ lives, because their Facebook statuses don’t provide the genuineness that a coffee meeting does.
Nicole,
Like you, I am a “digital collaborator” according to the quiz. However, I believe “drifting surfer” is a better label for me. I can certainly see how various forms of technology have played significant roles in your life. I sometimes get irritated at my younger brother, who turns 17 next week, but if he were in Minnesota I would be a far more regular techno person. I really enjoyed your post and I fully agree with your comment about how difficult it has become to communicate face-to-face.
I like your point on respect and understanding. Once we realize there is so much variety, it helps us gain patience with each other and create a healthier environment. I agree that it is valuable for us to see the various different types of users. I know I tend to assume that my peers use the technology in the same degree that I do, but that is not the case. We are all so disjointed in our experience. Everyone has a different learning curves and varying levels of knowledge. It helps to remember this.
I like your point regarding respect and patience. Knowing each others type really helps in this area. My sister loves the internet, technology and social media sites. I hate when we are in the middle of a conversation and then her phone or other devices goes off because the conversation is over. Then minutes later she start texting me to finish the conversation as if we are not in the same room. After reading this information I have developed more patience with her.