I don't think any other type would be fit me more perfectly than an Ambivalent Networker. I do use the internet for information and for my entertainment, however, I do not like the fact that I am so easily accessed by others. Not responding to my phone has posed a real problem with me among friends because people get aggravated with me for not answering my phone all of the time. (Mad is an exaggeration, however, my friends always comment how I always screen my phone calls). My rebuttal: I live in the present. I want the people around me to feel like I am engaged in our conversation and time together. Likewise, I am offended when I am talking with someone and they are texting or checking their Facebook on their phone. I feel like the present isn't enough stimulation for people and that is bothersome.
It seems I confirm my feelings that the wealth of access can be intrusive. This is often noted even more so when I am around younger people. I feel like many teenagers cannot communicate as well because they are able to text among friends rather than look them in the eye. I admit, I have "folded" into the use of my devices and text has helped me out of sticky situations that I would otherwise never confront. Therefore, I submit to the notion of the Ambivalent Networker as relying on text rather than actual phone conversations for the majority of my cell phone use.
I thought the quiz was useful and specific. I was surpised by some of the group's ages that didn't seem to match up with their confidence in their access. I also thought of how it would be interesting to add occupation to the survey. Education level was included, but I thought of how much of a person's profession plays a role in their access and usablity with the internet. I was surprised that Ambivalent Networkers made up a mere 7% and the Off the Network users made up twice as many at 14%. It is surprising to me that such a high amount of people are "off the network," which seems almost impossible to avoid.
I didn't catch that individuals in the study who were considered "off the network" made up twice the sample's percentage of those in the "ambivalent networker" category. Great find! I suppose because we're so entrenched in the digital lifestyle, it's difficult to imagine anyone who's not. Well, except for my grandmother, who only has land line phone and 3 stations on her television as outlets to the outside world. It's just hard to believe that people like her are greater in number than folks like us.
ReplyDeleteNiki, I too screen my phone calls. You aren't alone! I agree with you also Jamie. I cannot grasp that there were such large numbers still in the "off the network" category. My grandmother just graduated to a cordless telephone. What a mountain to climb!
ReplyDeletemy grandmother still has a cordless phone! Also, I agree with everyone that it's hard to believe there are more people "off the network" than people who are connected. It seems like the internet is everywhere nowadays.
ReplyDeleteHey Niki. Although I was classified as a Digital Collaborator, I feel more like a Ambivalent Networker. I too am a little uneasy about being accessed so easily. Maybe it's because I worked on a helpdesk for a long time that when I first moved on from that job I cringed when the phone rang. I truly despised the phone. And I too wished people would pay more attention to the here and now. It can be very rude.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is sort of surprisng, but me I get it. I undersatnd why people, especially older people do not use the internet for business. Think about identity theft, learning another skill. These are things/issues that people talk about everyday and you see it in the news.
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