Crazy in Love with the Digital World
A Digital World
Digital Maps Don't Lie
Image Source: Author Image created with Canva
When in visitors mode, individuals have a task or goal in mind when choosing what digital tool to use. They use the tool to complete their task and their visit is over. If you take a look at my digital map above, you can see that I am a personal visitor of digital applications such as Venmo, Google Maps and Yelp. I use these tools to complete a goal or task and proceed to exit the tool. I am also a professional visitor of Amazon. I tend to buy materials that I need for my occupation as an educator and move on to another task.
Residents on the other hand, frequently visit the tool as a way to connect socially and have a social presence. Residents can leave a digital footprint every time they use a tool. For example, when viewing my digital map, you can see that I use Facebook and Youtube in my professional and personal life. I like to make a post on my Facebook page to make connections and stay informed. I will use Youtube for personal entertainment but also for professional use.
I am definitely both a visitor and resident of the digital world. I like to spend more time in some spaces than others. I think it is important that we take a look at our digital footprint so that we can better understand how we are using the Web. Take a minute to examine how much time you spend online and where you are spending that time. I encourage you to create your own digital map, you may be surprised what you find.
Life is a Digital Rollercoaster
As I continue to develop and evolve, so will my digital map. My digital status varies from the weekdays to the weekends. In this stage in my life I tend to use Facebook, Instagram and Netflix more frequently throughout the weekend. I use Zoom and Canvas more during the weekdays because that is when I dedicate time for graduate school work. My digital map is constantly changing.
When reviewing my digital usage and their purposes I was surprised to learn that applications or tools that I used previously are now being used for something entirely different. In the past I would use Youtube for the sole purpose of watching videos for entertainment. Now, I use Youtube for both entertainment and for creating and displaying videos to use in the workplace. As my needs and wants change, my digital map will as well. The digital world is a rollercoaster of a ride but I am confident that I will be able to handle any bump that comes along the way.
References
White, D. (2014, September 9). Visitors & residents. David White. https://daveowhite.com/vandr/
White, D. (2013). Just the mapping [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=MSK1Iw1XtwQ
Hi! I love that you started first talking about technology when you were growing up. I remember the dial up internet. It took forever! Now a days with have such fast technology, I am sure kids would be freaking out if they had to wait that long to get on. Your digital map is a great representation of what you use for personal and professional. It also does a great job depicting if you are visitor or resident. It is easy to understand. I did not even think to put canvas on mine! I too agree that my digital tools vary from the weekday to the weekend. Do you think this will ever change since technology is continuing to change?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing!
Hi Lindsey! I appreciate your feedback and great question! I think the way the digital world is headed we will be more reliant on technology more then ever. Digital tools are convenient and being used in almost all aspects of our lives. If anything I believe we may use technology more in the future then we do now.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great reminder about how each of our maps looks differently! It might be fun to revisit your map in a few years and see how it has changed. It'll be fascinating to see what new apps are all the rage, too!
ReplyDeleteHello Lindsey!
ReplyDeleteI found it so interesting when you were talking about how your use of your digital apps has changed over time. As someone who has used YouTube for years, I find the video-making/publishing aspect of it to be completely confusing. I am always in awe of the amazing videos people create! When going over which apps I use during the week versus during the weekend I was surprised at my results. I found that while I did use it the most on Sundays, there was not too much difference in my usage. I did learn that during the weekend I scroll the most during the morning, my afternoons and evenings dedicated to hanging out with friends. However, during the week my screen time was mostly spent during my work commute (I take CTA) and at night before bed. Based on your results, do you think that any more of your personal applications will merge with your professional work? I have come across many librarian-created TikToks that have done some great work to promote their library. Do you see yourself using social media in your own work space?
It is a bizarre experience growing up without internet through childhood and transitioning to today where it is used constantly and considered essential to function in modern society. What I always found strange being an individual of that era is I am excessively on my phone, however when my phone dies I have actually gone days without recharging it. Most individuals cannot fathom not carrying a charger let alone having a dead phone for a couple days, yet I almost find it as a relief? I have always wondered if that correlated with my upbringing without internet.
ReplyDeleteI like your digital map and it caught my attention that your Facebook is perfectly center. I was wondering how you utilize Facebook for your professional life? I sometimes use TikTok to get program ideas and book recommendations, I did not know if it is just a simple to find resources on Facebook too?
Hi,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog post and aesthetically pleasing digital map! I like how you introduced this blog with your background relationship with the internet and digital tools. I am in the same boat as you are, the dial up was groundbreaking and now I cannot imagine living my life completely without the internet and digital devices. My digital map looks somewhat similar to yours and I only have one social media account, Instagram, that I use. I used to have a Facebook account years ago but when I downloaded the Instagram app I simply did not have use for Facebook anymore. And now, as I'm typing this comment to you, I realized that having more than one social media account is too much for me to keep up with it and handle. I've also mentioned in my own blog post that I would really like to live my personal life offline more.
Hi! I loved your comparison of a digital map to a fingerprint. While people can all use and access the same platforms, it's interesting to me that the amount of usage can be so varied. In addition to your digital status changing from weekdays to weekends, do you feel that it also changes with the season/throughout the year? I find that I am much more online (both personally and professionally) from August-May and then try to disconnect during summer break from June-July.
ReplyDelete