Today I watched the video above called Are You a Visitor or a Resident of the Internet? In this video, the speaker Dave White is explains what is it means to be a visitor or a resident of the internet. When I first read the title I assumed that this theory was a little more cut and dry than it is. I believed that by default old people were not good with technology and young people were. While watching i found myself comparing White’s theory to myself and people that I know. It makes sense that this idea of visitor vs. resident is not dependent on age. I know plenty of young people who seem more like visitors of technology and in turn plenty of old people who are more resident like.
I couldn’t help but to relate White was saying to me or my husband especially when he was saying that residency is dependent on motivation and culture. MY HUBBY - My husband did all of his college research from real books, typed all of his papers with two fingers, and before he typed them he wrote them out with pencil. He checks email, goes on Facebook, and does simple google searches. But, when it comes down to anything more complicated he shies away and asks for help. He is definitely a visitor. If he was ever forced to be more motivated about the internet or computers he would first have to ask for help, get super frustrated, and finally do what he had to do, begrudgingly. He is happy with his limited abilities and has no plans nor interest in advancing them. ME - Before the video I was sure that I was a resident but soon realized that there is more to it than either you are or you are not. For example lets look at how I have used Twitter. I went to a workshop where the presenter, Jeffrey Heil, asked us to register to Twitter. I did it and followed 1 friend and went on it every month or so. I had no motivation to get on more frequently. Now, after starting this masters program registering for Twitter and connecting with others is a requirement. People from my cohort are asking to follow me and create and join chats. Now I am motivated. Now I believe I have immigrated to Twitter and I’m on my way to becoming a resident. See you on Twitter. |
CategoriesRaquel RudderI am a student of technology. Archives
December 2014
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