Dave White’s video, Visitors and Residents (2013), puts the use of the Web and how people view the medium, into an overall theoretical analysis, which seems to be a pretty accurate depiction of the reality of the instrument. I found this video to be very intriguing because it helped me realize some of my own biases. Dave argues that “Residents” of the web view it as a “space” for people to assemble in an interactive community, in which they build their own personal “brand” and leave a mark (2013). With this comes the idea that you can collect from, and add to, the spread of information, whether or not in a collaborative manner. In this sense, the Web is highly sociable, yet still personalized, and can be an exceptional platform as a means of learning for educational purposes.
In contrast, Dave views “Visitors” as not necessarily less technologically capable, but as perceiving the Web in a different, perhaps in a more restrictive or cynical view (2013). In his analysis, Visitors are more cautious about privacy, use the Web in a goal specific manner, and do not necessarily see Web features, such as social media, as a learning process in and of itself; instead the Web is a tool which can be used in specific ways, at certain times (White, 2013). Essentially, this means the entire outlook of Visitors and Residents is in opposition. While Visitors take a more optimistic approach of the internet, where they can learn from and share with others; Residents see it as a way to help in instances that it can aid them for a set objective.
While I certainly didn’t fully embodying Dave’s entire perspective, I did see his video as a compare and contrast piece of opposing ideologies. One thing he mentioned that caught my attention was his claim that Visitors see aspects, such as blogs and social media, as a trivial pursuit to manufacture an image of oneself (White, 2013). I certainly do not only see these platforms in that way, but I will admit, I have often seen them as a way of doing just that. Meanwhile, White sort of implies that Visitors do not see the Web with a largely educational purpose, but almost are stuck in this content focused education philosophy (2013). As someone, who identifies with the visitor end in many ways, I am not sure that their resistance to many parts of the Web are an indicator of a content-centered philosophy.
In my mind, I am a mix of a Visitor and Resident. I personally do choose to use some social media, yet I have long been hesitant to some platforms like Twitter and Instagram, etc. On the other hand, while I am sort of just now utilizing the Web in such ways, I find it to be very beneficial for many educational and networking purposes. I guess my issue is that it is hard for me to feel the importance to use most applications for uses outside of education, or for minimal means of keep touch with close relationships for myself. I do not deny its benefit for others however.
White, D. (2013, May 31). Visitors and Residents [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sFBadv04eY
In contrast, Dave views “Visitors” as not necessarily less technologically capable, but as perceiving the Web in a different, perhaps in a more restrictive or cynical view (2013). In his analysis, Visitors are more cautious about privacy, use the Web in a goal specific manner, and do not necessarily see Web features, such as social media, as a learning process in and of itself; instead the Web is a tool which can be used in specific ways, at certain times (White, 2013). Essentially, this means the entire outlook of Visitors and Residents is in opposition. While Visitors take a more optimistic approach of the internet, where they can learn from and share with others; Residents see it as a way to help in instances that it can aid them for a set objective.
While I certainly didn’t fully embodying Dave’s entire perspective, I did see his video as a compare and contrast piece of opposing ideologies. One thing he mentioned that caught my attention was his claim that Visitors see aspects, such as blogs and social media, as a trivial pursuit to manufacture an image of oneself (White, 2013). I certainly do not only see these platforms in that way, but I will admit, I have often seen them as a way of doing just that. Meanwhile, White sort of implies that Visitors do not see the Web with a largely educational purpose, but almost are stuck in this content focused education philosophy (2013). As someone, who identifies with the visitor end in many ways, I am not sure that their resistance to many parts of the Web are an indicator of a content-centered philosophy.
In my mind, I am a mix of a Visitor and Resident. I personally do choose to use some social media, yet I have long been hesitant to some platforms like Twitter and Instagram, etc. On the other hand, while I am sort of just now utilizing the Web in such ways, I find it to be very beneficial for many educational and networking purposes. I guess my issue is that it is hard for me to feel the importance to use most applications for uses outside of education, or for minimal means of keep touch with close relationships for myself. I do not deny its benefit for others however.
White, D. (2013, May 31). Visitors and Residents [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sFBadv04eY