I have always enjoyed taking tests where I can find out more about myself and how I relate to others. My result for this technology test is that I am an “Ambivalent Networker.” 7% of adults are this, and most are male. The advanced description says that I have seamlessly integrated technological resources into my every day life, but that I am sometimes tired of how often the phone rings (Horrigan 8). It says that I am relieved to take a break from using the internet (Horrigan 38).
I actually believe this description fits me perfectly. Since I am a small business owner, I have learned how to use technology to my advantage, and I really have integrated it into everything I do. Technology allows me to get more done in a smaller amount of time, and I enjoy finding new ways to be more productive. On the other hand, it can be very frustrating to be focused on a project and get interrupted by a text, phone call, or Facebook post. Because I have so many devices, getting a mention on Twitter can cause many different beeps, chimes, and other alarms to go off. I do enjoy taking a break from technology, setting my auto-response, and being able to disconnect from the busyness I find online. However, I am also very thankful for the good things technology has done for my career and productivity.
Honestly, because “Ambivalent Networker” fits me so well, I had a hard time relating to the other user types. I do feel that it is very important to learn about how people use technology. It has become such a large part of our lives, and businesses need to know exactly how we filter this new information. With the large variety of ways corporations can market to individuals (texting, Facebook, online news, brand websites, etc.), it is vital that business professionals study the differences in how people view these avenues. Even in our personal lives, I believe that knowing the differences between ourselves and others allows us to have a better understanding of how to best communicate with them.
Horrigan, John. The Mobile Experience. Rep. Pew Internet & American Life Project, 2009. Print.
Very interesting point about being interrupted by your devices. It happens to me, too. I haven’t taken the time to learn all of the bells and whistles on my Blackberry because I only use it for work (primarliy email at that). I know how to turn off push notifications on my iPhone, but not on my BBery. So whenever I get a FB message or @ reply on Twitter, my BBery goes nuts. It’s why I don’t comment or post on FB anymore. Because all of the subsequenty replies to the comment blow up my phone.
I agree with you that it’s good to take a break from technology, but I’m also thankful for what it’s done for my career.
I’m glad you both brought up this issue. I need my phone to be synched up to my work email and other applications, but when I’m sitting at my desk, its extremely distracting to here by mobile buzz every time I get a new email or other alert. If I turn off the push notifications, then I could miss something important just a few minutes later when I need to leave the desk to see about something else as I rely on my cell during those times. Hopefully this is something that will be ironed out over the next few years, but in the mean time I guess the interruptions while doing the work are the price for the increased productivity that the technology allows for.
I am also an Ambivalent Networker, and I totally agree with what you said. I am most grateful for all the work I can accomplish from my computer. However, I can get annoyed by the texting and emails coming in, especially while I am trying to work. I agree the most with the part that says that Ambivalent networkers take brakes from technology, once in a while. It is so necessary, because once you take a break, you can come back with out being so frustrated at the world.
My devices are usually on vibrate or silent so I don’t typically get interrupted by the pings, dings, etc. but I can see how that would definitely be distracting if you’re focused on something and this unwanted distraction arises. It seems like our relationships with technology are a little bitter sweet. We love how it helps us communicate with others and how it helps us to be more productive, but sometimes we wish we could just be rid of it all together. Breaks are definitely needed when it comes to technology. We all need that time to step back and refresh so that we can continue to appreciate the advancements being made in technology.
You seem to agree with Horrigan’s categorization of the ambivalent networker as frustrated by the intrusiveness of the technology. The incessant interruptions are just one trade off of the constant connection. It is equally frustrating to feel obligated to stay connected. Sometimes, I miss the peace of not feeling obliged to stay connected. I miss not having any expectations. I don’t want to worry that disconnecting would hurt anyone’s feelings or cause me to miss an important event. Because “what if…” When often it will be ok, but we’re so worried that it won’t. We feel like we are expected to be connected. We must constantly be plugged in and stay involved in the buzzing world.
I’m taking a “Contemplative Communication” class taught by Dr. Matthews, and he has touched on some of this: the pressure of this busy world translates into our cultural ideology. The constant blips, beeps and buzzes create commotion in your pocket, world, and mind. Our technology keeps us hyper-connected and we are able to constantly stay busy. We have a busy schedule and a busy mind, as we cycle through the motions of life.