Alternate Option for Grouping Digital Users

After blogging for the past three days, I find myself slowly adapting to the difference in learning style for this particular module. I never thought that learning from a group of people with their own different views towards different topics would be so effective and interesting at the same time.

At the start of this topic, my views from my own research were that individuals could be both a “digital resident'”and “digital visitor” depending on which area of their lifestyle falls on. Take me for example, where I could be a “digital resident” in my personal life and yet remain a “digital visitor” in my professional life. After reading most of the topic 1 post, this seemed to be a reoccuring theme.

It is important to keep in mind that the ‘digital visitors’ and ‘digital residents’ is a continuum and are not mutually exclusive in any sense.

While searching for more answer on possible way to grouping digital users, I thought I come across an interesting and a different way to look at the concept of “digital residents” and “digital visitors” is the Typology of Internet users (Horrigan, 2007). Horrigan sorts web users into 10 distinct groups that fit broadly into a “high end,” “medium users,” and “low-level adopters” framework. Reflecting on this typology I would identify myself as being between a Mobile Centrics and a Productivity Enhancers.

Another interesting point that I observed from Aetiiqcaz’s and Yuting’s post is that both mentioned about the habits of constantly checking or refreshing their newsfeed on social media platform for entertainment purposes, but does this actually make them a “digital resident”? Do we still considered one to be a “digital resident” when they appear to be actively using the platform solely for “stalking” or updating themselves with their friends’ life.

Lastly, I personally find (White and Le Corneau, 2011) theory to be lacking of one thing, as I believe there is space within the spectrum for a middle tier to better classifies the user.

Black Friday. Let’s Go!!!

(Word Counts: 321)

References

A Typology of Information and Communication Technology Users. (2007). PEW Internet and American Life Project, [online] p.3. Available at: http://A Typology of Information and Communication Technology Users [Accessed 28 Nov. 2014].

permanent resident citizen visitor resident what. (2014). [Blog] aetiiqcaz. Available at: https://aetiiqcaz.wordpress.com/2014/11/27/permanent-resident-citizen-visitor-resident-what/ [Accessed 28 Nov. 2014].

White, D. and Le Cornu, A. (2011). Visitors and Residents: A new typology for online engagement.First Monday, 16(9).

Yuting, K. (2014). What Am I. [Blog] ytsouth. Available at: http://ytsouth.wordpress.com/2014/11/27/what-am-i/ [Accessed 28 Nov. 2014].

“Digital Visitors” and “Digital Residents”

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.

The concept of Digital “Residents” and Digital “Visitors” was developed in order to identify people in regards to their online presence as an improvement to replace the outdated concept of Prensky’s digital “Natives” and “Immigrants” that make assumption based on age. (White, 2008)

Digital Visitor

A digital visitor is an individual who understands the web, but only see it as one of the many tools they can use to achieve certain goals, as they utilize it occasionally or only when a need arises. They are unlikely to build or maintain their online profiles, as they place very little value in belonging and socializing online. Thus, leading to their anonymous characteristics. (White & Le Cornu, 2011)

Digital Resident

A digital resident is an individual who values the Web and all the practical tools it has to offer, such as internet banking, online shopping and a place to develop their digital identity. They spend many hours online expressing opinions, sharing information about their life and connecting with others, as they believe this is where relationships can be formed and extended. Many achieve this through enhancing their online presence on a regular basis and ‘living’ through their professional and social networks. (White & Le Cornu, 2011)

Lets have a short exercise, using the diagram below that shows the continuum of the Digital Visitor/Residents scale. Where would you fall?

My own online experience.

I was able to reflect upon my own engagement within the digital environment after coming across the video presented by (White, 2013). Through the guidance by the video, I believe my online mapping as shown in the diagram below would fall closer to the digital resident.

Making full use of social networks on a regular basis, where I share my personal opinions and experiences; this follows some of the characteristics of a digital resident shared by (White & Le Cornu, 2011) such as constantly developing my presence online. However, I will need to work on being more “Digital Resident” in my professional life, indicating the strong need for me to interact more on Linkedin rather than just using it as a static page for my curriculum vitae (CV) and engaging with more people in my field of interest by marketing and advertising through Twitter and LinkedIn using hashtag and blogs.

(Word count: 398)

References

White, D. (2008). Not ‘Natives’ & ‘Immigrants’ but ‘Visitors’ & ‘Residents’. [Blog] Tall Blog. Available at: http://tallblog.conted.ox.ac.uk/index.php/2008/07/23/not-natives-immigrants-but-visitors-residents/ [Accessed 27 Nov. 2014].

White, D. (2013). Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSK1Iw1XtwQ [Accessed 27 Nov. 2014].

White, D. and Le Cornu, A. (2011). Visitors and Residents: A new typology for online engagement.First Monday, 16(9) [Accessed 27 Nov. 2014].

Dare to Google.

So when was the last time you “Googled” your name?

I just did.

Curiosity hit me today as I wondered what will show up from the search when someone Google me up. The results turn out to be rather amusing and all I can say was my “first digital impression” did not turn out so well. Videos and photos which I uploaded years ago came back to haunt me.

So what came up in the search?

Let have a little laugh shall we?

An ugliest photo of mine taken years ago for a soccer profile show up in the search

(Could have potentially kill off any chance of me getting attach if I’m still single).

The truth is, it is very difficult to avoid this reality. Somehow somewhere your name is going to be mentioned by someone online and you will forever be archived in the cyberspace. However, damage control can be carried out for your digital profile. This will come down to if you belong to the “active digital people” or the “non-active digital people”.

Active Digital People. These are individuals that have their own website and online profiles such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.. These are the results that will most likely show up in Google when your name is searched. This can be a very good thing because it shows that you understand technology, embrace growing your business and are interactive in the online community. This can damage you if the image you’re portraying isn’t the most desirable for certain positions.

Non-Active Digital People.These individuals have a minimal online presence and perhaps only have two or fewer online profiles (maybe just Facebook). Most of the time your name will only show up for PGA Section tournament results, or if other websites mention your name (example: local newspaper website). This could possibly produce a very negative reaction from employers. They may be wondering if you’re introverted, or hiding something. Perhaps they get the impression you’re not ambitious, or lazy because you haven’t done anything that is newsworthy. They begin to question why you’re not part of the online community. This could also work to your advantage if you are applying (or hiring) for a position that requires more anonymity (example: Head Professional at a conservative private club).

The above definitions are quoted from https://golfwebdesign.com/digital-profile/

 Back to today assignment on auditing your digital profile

Strengths and Weaknesses

This is how I fair after auditing my digital profile, which justifies why I fall under the “non-active digital people”. You can stay tuned to this page to monitor my progress as I continue to enhance my digital profile over the remaining 11 days, just as when I am done saying that, my LinkedIn profile is up (haha). Till next time guys :))

References

Golf Course Web Design – PGA Golf Professional Web Design, (2013). Your Digital Profile – Auditing Your Digital Self. [online] Available at: https://golfwebdesign.com/digital-profile/ [Accessed 26 Nov. 2014].

The Soton Boy – Introduction

Behold Midgardian!!!

With some help from Man of Iron, Thor is finally blogging.

Who am I?

My name is Wei Seong, friends call me by my surname Tor (which explains the joke).

Here is how I look like, incase you were wondering.. like how I would usually wonder how other bloggers look like.

I don’t think a picture really says who I am.

So who am I?

**Insert Drumroll**

I am your typical guy that does paper chase like everyone else in Asia (BSc Digital Marketing).

Graduated from Temasek Polytechnic with a Diploma in Mechatronic Engineering.

Spent my next 3.5 years serving the nation, a career I once considered to pursue before I decided I may have higher calling outside of the army. It was a difficult decision but the experience was definitely a memorable and a positive one.

And lastly, I LOVE soccer!!! My life practically revolves around soccer on most weekends, where i would spend my noon playing soccer before spending the remaining evenings catching my favorite team in action (Arsenal FC)!

All that being said, why am I here? I am here mainly for my current module, Living and Working on the Web. #MANG2049

I am looking forward to the challenges that this module will bring, however most would describe me as a total dinosaur when it comes to social media platforms (trust me, took me awhile to figure out wordpress). Nevertheless, I am sure this module would definitely be beneficial as we all live in the age of hashtags, tweets and selfies.

So that’s me.

Stay tune for more :))