This exercise of mapping my use of technology was insightful, as I have never really considered my residence (or lack thereof) in this context, nor have I considered how I interact with the web in such a way. In relation to the visitor and residence grouping, David White (2014) describes the visitor mode as using the internet like a tool box, taking out the tools you need and when you are done with them, you put them back and close the lid, leaving no social trace (jiscnetskills, 2014). I found this analogy helpful to keep in mind as I mapped (and remapped) my technology use.
Of particular interest to me is how much Google is central to my technology presence. From searching to Google Drive, Photos, Docs, etc. It is something that I use daily that crosses all 4 quadrants of my map. I mention this as being of interest because it was only in the last few years that this became central to how I manage much of my personal and professional activities after being quite resistant to moving from MS Office to the Google Workspace system.
Social Media is very much personal to me and although I post occasionally, my use of social media is very much purposeful. Facebook, in particular, has become a place of informal learning for me where I am able to join virtual communities to learn about things that I am curious about (i.e. storm chasing, aurora hunting, bird watching, etc.) or groups that drive connection to my neighbourhood and community or unique life circumstances (i.e. support groups).
One tool that I had a hard time mapping was Zoom. When using David White’s analogy (as described above), I see Zoom as a tool that I use to connect with people but I don’t think it really leaves a social trace (unless it is recorded and posted somewhere public, I suppose). Prior to Covid, I only ever used it for work, however I have since used it to connect with friends and family in a more social and informal way. In the end, I decided to map it centrally with some overlap in all 4 quadrants to reflect how I have used it and the fact that there is likely some social trace left behind.
This exercise really caused me to really reflect on my digital identity – something I haven’t really considered before and I am looking forward to exploring this concept in greater depth as this course evolves.
Reference
Jiscnetskills. (2014, March 10). Visitors and Residents. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPOG3iThmRI&t=324s
Your mention of “social trace” led me to considering my “overall digital trace” and how digital information can be quantified and put through a variety of filters to reveal patterns and trends. It’s possible then that those trends could be used for a range of purposes, by a range of agencies, with a range of intentions, and under a range of approvals. While it’s becoming more and more difficult for me to not participate in the digital world because of convenience, practical reasons, or for safety, it doesn’t hurt to reflect on the matter from time to time.
Thank you for leading me to the insight.
Thanks for sharing your insight Bart. When I was creating my map, that was the criteria I use to determine whether I was a visitor or resident, but your comment is making me think about the digital trace that we leave that we may not be aware of. After I have spent time using google to search or research something, I am noticing that I start getting targeted ads in different platforms that I am using related to what I was searching for. It makes me wonder if it is really possible to be a true visitor without leaving any trace of yourself in the digital world… and in that case, how much more aware we should be of our digital presence and identity.
You bring up such a good point about education for our children in this respect. My daughter is only 8 but we have started having these conversations as well, although mostly around digital safety. Digital identity is something that I really want to talk to her about now as well. Thanks for reading Michal!
Leah, your map looks fantastic. Although I found this exercise quite interesting like you, I never really looked at social media or the use of technology in this matter ever. But, it sure made me reflect on my digital identity as well and is something I am trying to get my girls to think about also.