According to the Pew Internet Technology User Type Quiz, I fit into the 7% of adults who “use online access to seek out information nuggets, and these nuggets make their way through these users’ social networks via desktop and mobile access”. This group is known as Media Movers. Media Movers have lots of online and mobile routines. According to the Pew Internet Technology User Type Quiz description of groups, I am most likely to pass on certain information nuggets or pictures I find on the internet that are interesting to me. These social exchanges are central to my use of information and communication technology. For me, Cyberspace as a path to personal productivity or an outlet for creativity is less important (Pew Internet).
My type describes me fairly well. I thoroughly enjoy the “rush” of finding information I think will interest or entertain others. Once that happens, I cannot resist the desire to share. I admit, however, that I share characteristics from other user types. Other types that fit me slightly are Ambivalent Networker and Roving Node. I do have an online routine which involves checking Facebook and Twitter and then moving on to watching either Netflix/Hulu or doing homework eventually if I have some due.
Discussing different types of technology users awakens in the participants of the discussion an awareness of how different people use and communicate through technology. This knowledge allows people to become more effective in communicating with others. Furthermore, it allows people to get information to others more efficiently as they become more aware of society’s technological practices.
It is true that people use technology to communicate in different ways. My father uses his phone strictly for voice calls, and does not have any social media page to communicate. He, also, does not feel the need to get any facebook or twitter any time soon. He rarely surfs the internet. I use to think he was just old school, but in reality he has different needs than I do from technology. I need it for school, work, and for personal entertainment. Yet, he doesn’t. You have a good point.
Although I read articles I lack in the area of sharing them or passing them on. However, I do appreciate my friends and other individuals I network with that do pass along stories. It is users like you that can be considered the “journalists” of the internet. I follow my local news station on Facebook and am always notified of local happenings if I choose to read them if the story doesn’t interest me I just pass it up. This is one power we have of digital communication we can click or not click on the link to receive the message.
I liked your statement that learning how others utilize the internet helps us communicate more effectively. I think for “digital collaborators” like myself, we tend to operate under the assumption that everyone else is utilizing the technology the same way we are. For example, in the event of bad weather in the middle of the night, my mobile phone will wake me up. However, there are lots of people that still rely on weather radios and public sirens to receive this information. The message is the same, but how we receive it is largely effected by what technology we make use of.