A few modules later, and here we are with another blog style module. Since my last introduction, I turned 25, got a promotion at work and watched as my two oldest friends got married!
As this blog will explore the challenges and opportunities that individuals and businesses face in this digital world, let’s start with looking at where I see myself in the digital world…
After completing the digital literacy test, it was apparent that I fit in the middle but with a slight predilection towards resident traits.
Accessing, Managing and Evaluating Online Informtion
During my undergraduate studies in Media and Communications, I am comfortable with accessing, managing and evaluating online information. In the course, I gained skills that enabled me to determine the verisimilitude of online information e.g. identifying fake news and unreliable websites.
Participating in Online Communities
I am currently part of an online Palestinian community on Facebook. I read, browse and share posts, however, I do not actively contribute to these communities.
Building Online Networks Around an Area of Interest
I actively develop a network of relevant industry contacts on LinkedIn. I have also linked, joined and followed groups on other various social networking sites that are of interest.
Collaborating with Others on Shared Projects
I have not collaborated with others on any shared projects.
Creating Online Materials (Text, Audio, Images, Video)
During my current role in higher education, I actively create communication emails to go out to prospective students, presentations for events and visual guides for support during the application process. These are all consumed online.
Managing Your Online Identity
I use various social networking sites to manage my online identity for personal and professional use. For instance, I use Facebook and Instagram for my personal identity consistently censoring information that I do not wish to be in the public domain in order to keep closer control on my online identity. The same is true of my LinkedIn identity which is strcictly used for professional purposes with little personal information or views being published. I keep my profiles up to date with relevant images, videos and information.
Managing Your Online Privacy and Security
All of my social networking accounts are private, as I only want my friends or chosen connection to see this information.
Digital Visitor vs Digital Resident
Digital Visitors are individuals that are unlikely to have any form of profile online that projects their identity. To this group, the digital space is not a ‘place to think or develop ideas’ but rather do their thinking offline (White and Cornu, 2011). Digital Residents on the other hand, see the digital space as a place, in which they have friends and colleagues whom ‘they share information about their life and work’ (White and Cornu, 2011).
However, this framework assumes that individuals are one or the other. But what about if one does not fit firmly within either camp? For example, what if you move from one stage to another over time?
I definitely see myself more as a digital resident than a visitor due to my high scores in managing my online identity, creating online materials and accessing, managing and evaluating online information. On the other hand, there are several qualities of a resident that I do not meet. For instance, I scored low in participating in online communities and collaborating with others on shared projects. That leaves me in the middle section, the cross over between being a digital visitor vs a digital resident.
Over the next seven weeks, will my scores change? Let’s wait and see.
Bibliography
White, D. S., & Cornu, A. L. (2011). Visitors and Residents: A New Typology for Online Engagement. First Monday, 16(9). Retrieved from: http://firstmonday.org/article/view/3171/3049
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