vistior or resident

Wow! This video was enlightening. It was interesting to learn the visitor/resident principle and who falls within each category. According to the definition, I am a visitor. I really do see technology as a tool to be used for certain purposes. I use it similarly to Beth, to shop, email and surf the web. On average I only spend about an hour a day exploring or using online tools. I can honestly say that I do have concerns about privacy and really just want to keep somethings to myself. I doubt I would ever really get into Face book and often wonder why others want to put all their "business" in the street (or on the web)! I think the reason I wouldn't be a follower is that I still enjoy seeing and meeting people face to face. I think a lot gets lost in translation/communication from the web. My idea of being social is physically interacting with people who are in front of you, not texting or blogging them.

On the other hand, I understand why others would be residents (except for the fact that they see the park as a space - it's really just a picture :)). Residents enjoy social networking and feel that the web offers an opportunity for them to stay connected to a wider group of individuals. They can send out their thoughts and beliefs and find others who connect with them on the same level. It's great for advertising and selling one self.

What's the point....that culturally some people have different definitions of social networking. Neither is wrong just different. When more people like me see the true value of staying connect we will use our skills and time and focus on becoming residents. However for now, I will just visit when needed hopefully after I finish this program I can take a vacation there and explore more of what the net has to offer.