I turned to my bookmarks bar and my recently used apps section to get a hint of the online tools I primarily reside in. It was clear where I spent most of my time, WhatsApp being my main area of residency, as I frequently contact my family and friends to stay connected.
As White (2013) states, I have left no “social trace” on Amazon. Despite using it occasionally, I am yet to leave a review of the products I bought on the site. Similarly, I am more of a visitor on my work and school email, opening it only when necessary, but I check my personal email regularly.
Slack is a new tool introduced to me during our first group project for The Link course, and as such, I visit it occasionally. Blogging has also been new and unique, and I foresee more residency in my MALAT student blog for the next couple of years or even longer!
Overall this exercise has been a good reflection tool for me and has put into perspective where and how I dedicate my time daily.
Dave White. (2013, September 13). Just the Mapping [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSK1Iw1XtwQ
Hi Ano, thanks for sharing!
I was intrigued by your addition of ‘mobile banking’. The other platforms I see added all have the ability for resident if you are so inclined (via reviews, posts, chats, etc.) but I hadn’t though of mobile banking as a platform where I could be a resident. Can you tell me more about your thought process there? And reflecting, perhaps it’s my interpretation of the assignment and personal reflection that had me solely include platforms that I am consciously making a choice one way or another, so please don’t take that as negative feedback. I am truly curious!
Hi Jessica
Thank you for the great question! That’s an excellent point. When I did my visitor-resident typology mapping, I included what White (2014) refers to as “a range of ways an individual can engage with the Web.” Most of the ways I engage with the Web are on Google, hence why it takes up a larger space on the continuum, but I found when I do mobile banking, I often use the apps on my phone, so I decided to include it separately.
I hope that answers your question!
White, D. (2014, September 9). Visitors & Residents. David White. https://daveowhite.com/vandr/
Hi, Ano! Interesting interpretation regarding Amazon and the comment about leaving ‘no social trace’. Though you haven’t left reviews or comments on products, Amazon and other retailers collect so much data on their customers, that they know what you have bought, what you have put in your virtual shopping cart, what you have returned, and what you have browsed. It’s a lot of data they have access to that contributes to tailoring products to market to you. It’s staggering to think about how being a consumer can leave a trail these days!
Hi Tracy
That’s an excellent point you brought out Tracy, I hadn’t thought about it from that angle. I guess my understanding of “social trace” was leaving pointers to other consumers/users that I had been using the platform. It is so true, they do collect enormous amounts of data on retailers!
This is a great insight!
Like Ano, I use Amazon regularly but have never considered myself a resident since I don’t interact through reviews, communication with sellers, selling through affiliate links, etc.
This idea has prompted me to consider the possibility of another kind of tension pair. Just “typing out loud” here, but I am wondering if there is another way to think about our online activity. Perhaps “overt vs covert” or “visible vs invisible”?
Hmm…niether of these pairs really capture what I am trying to express. Any other thoughts on this – maybe “witting vs unwitting”?
Ano, I thought your view of Amazon was interesting. I leave reviews on almost everything, so it was genuinely an eye-opener to see a different approach.