Let's Get Digital

For most of my life, I have had a digital presence. Whether it was a Neopets account when I was 10, or a MySpace account as a teenager, I never really put much thought about engaging in digital spaces. It was just something my friends and I all did. However, as I have grown older, I have become more selective in what I spaces I participate in. I am aware about the digital trail I leave behind.

This week, I explored David White’s model on Visitors & Residents in regards to digital spaces. When in Visitor mode, an individual is completing a specific task. They use digital spaces as a means to getting information or content. When in Resident mode, an individual is trying to connect with others. They use digital spaces to be active participants in discussions.

My Digital Map

Over the past few days, I took note of applications and websites I use on a regular basis, and at what times of the day I used them. Based off that information, I mapped my own digital spaces (as seen below) and was able to analyze where I fell in the Visitor & Resident model.  
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When mapping my own digital spaces, I came to the realization that I am not very “professionally” connected in either visitor and resident mode. As I progress in my future career in the library field, I want this to change! I would like to find digital spaces where I can be part of an online community that exchanges ideas, resources, and stories relating to library services. Not only will it help me gain knowledge, but it will be helpful for networking purposes. 

Digital spaces I use in my personal life really split into two different spaces, one for socialization and one for where I consume content. The apps I use most in social spaces are Snapchat, Twitter, Tumblr, Gmail, and Messages. This puts me in the Resident side of the model. On these apps, I am putting my opinion out into the universe (or at least to my contacts!) and reacting to others. I am definitely leaving a social trail behind. I use these apps first thing in the morning, and when I have breaks at work so I can connect with others. The spaces for consumption of content consist of Max, Hulu, Libby, TikTok, etc. On these apps, I am merely watching things, or looking at content. This is where I fall under the Visitor part of the model. I tend to use these apps more at night, when I am trying to destress from the work day.

I use many web applications for both personal and professional parts of my life, such as Spotify, Pinterest, and TikTok. Because I am in a creative field, I often use these apps for ideas at work, but also for entertainment or personal projects. Due to this, I often find ideas for work projects when I am at home! I don't mind for the most part, but it can be hard at times to unwind when your feed keeps recommending library related posts.

Overall, mapping my digital spaces made me reflect on where I am putting my energy. I aim to make some changes and become more of a resident on some applications. 

Comments

  1. NMZumpanoMay 28, 2023 at 9:07 AM

    What a great analysis, Mary. I hadn't thought about how time of day actually can impact your time online but it actually makes sense. Your map looks balanced so it was interesting to read that you wanted to change some things. I'm glad you enjoyed the process!

    ReplyDelete
  2. DesireeMay 28, 2023 at 10:37 PM

    Hi, Mary! I think we had a similar experience with the internet growing up. You really had me with NeoPets! I completely forgot about it! Although thinking about it as adult, it is quite scary to think about how much time I spent on their socializing as a kid, not having the same knowledge of digital safety that I do now. I suppose that it is all still similar to a lot of the online games kids play now. Hopefully they are more aware though.

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