Task 1 - #UOSM2008
Question: Explain the
concept of digital “visitors” and “residents” drawing upon your reading and
your own online experiences to date in support of the points that you make.
Introduction
Digital ‘visitors’ and ‘residents’ are two
relatively new terms used to describe the different ways users interact with
the internet and technology.
These divisions have appeared through the use of
the terms:
·
Digital natives (‘young
people who have grown up in the digital world and hence are expert users of
technology’) [1]
·
Digital immigrants (‘older
people who struggle to master these new norms and behaviors)[1]
In my opinion these terms for division of users
is unsatisfactory. Just because you’ve have grown up without technology doesn’t
mean you cant use it properly. Is Bill Gates really a digital immigrant??
Digital Visitors
Digital visitors use online services but don’t
integrate their entire lives into it. The technology is only used when required
for example booking a holiday [2] They have a focused need to use the web but
definitely don’t reside there. They don’t use technology for the sake of using
it.
From my personal experience an example of a user
would be my father. He uses e-mail and LinkedIn, but allocates time in his
diary and does not enjoy learning to use new features. When learning a new
skill on the computer face to face contact is essential.
Digital Resident
Also known as a digital native. Users use the Internet
on multiple occasions each day, and have it built into their everyday lives and
everything they do. These people have a persona online that they maintain
regularly. [2] It is important to them how their online profiles look, and
sometimes even how much attention they get.
I think of myself as a digital resident, my
smartphone is constantly connecting me to the Internet wherever I go.
Notifications for a variety of online services notify me of ‘goings on’ when I
am away from the computer; services include Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Personal Experience
I have developed various social networking
profiles both for personal and professional use. They allow me to stay in touch
with friends, and at the same time stay in touch with professionals who might will
turn out to be useful contacts in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion the terms digital residents/visitors is a useful division
but the terms should be taken with a pinch of salt. You don’t have to be one or
the other, its very likely that a user can be a combination of the two.
References
[2] http://tallblog.conted.ox.ac.uk/index.php/2008/07/23/not-natives-immigrants-but-visitors-residents/
