I am a firm believer that every person hasa certian level of digital integration in their lifestyle. The is something in almost all of us that uses the digital landscape in someway or another. This is what excites me about digital media – its different for everyone.
Each person experiences the digital landscape in their own way, from their own vantage point and with their own personal agenda. This is the Consumer 2.0 I have spoken about before. I go into this in more detail in our presentation but I wanted to share a bit of insight into a study by TNS Surveys which outlines six digital lifestyles. These are:
INFLUENCERS
The internet is an integral part of my life. I’m young and a big mobile Internet user and generally access everywhere, all of the time. I’m a blogger, a passionate social networker with many social network friends. I’m also a big online shopper, even via my mobile. I want to make sure as many people as possible hear my online voice.
COMMUNICATORS
I just love talking and expressing myself, whether that’s face to face, on a fixed line, mobile or on social networking sites, instant messaging or just emailing people. I really want to express myself in the online world in the way that I can’t in the offline one. I tend to be a smart phone user and I’m connecting online from my mobile, at home, at work or at college.
KNOWLEDGE-SEEKERS
I use the internet to gain knowledge, information and to educate myself about the world. I’m not very interested in social networking but I do want to hear from like-minded people especially to help me make purchase decisions. I’m very interested in the latest thing.
NETWORKERS
The internet is important for me to establish and maintain relationships. I have a busy life whether it’s my profession or managing the home. I use things like social networking to keep in touch with people I wouldn’t have time to otherwise. I’m a big home internet home user and I’m very open to talking to brands and looking for promotions. That said I’m not really the kind of person to voice my opinions online.
ASPIRERS
I’m looking to create a personal space online. I’m very new to the Internet and I’m accessing via mobile and internet cafes but mostly from home. I’m not doing a great deal at the moment online but I’m desperate to do more of everything, especially from a mobile device.
FUNCTIONALS
The internet is a functional tool, I don’t want to express myself online. I like emailing, checking the news, sport & weather but also online shopping. I’m really not interested in anything new (like social networking )and I am worried about data privacy and security. I am older and have been using the internet for a long time.
Which one are you?
I would love to hear your comments on which digital lifestyle most described you. Feel free to comment. Thank you
Knowledge Seeker – I am a “just” 50 something & work extensively in the area of sustainable development. I have a passion for learning about the latest news & views & use the internet to communicate with those I know in the same profession as well as to research websites, publications etc. on the subject.
I am currently completing a Masters degree through distance learning & so use the internet extensively to support my studies.
Thanks Justin
Knowledge seeker sounds like a good match. Also sounds like you have a lot on your plate!!
Definitely a “Functional” user. Wonder whether that has anything to do with the fact that I am a working single mom over 40 – I simply don’t have time for anything more.
Knowledge-seeker! That’s my mission. I’m also a functional. I use the internet for almost everything. I can’t remember the last time a just a encyclopedia, phone directory, map or dictionary. I use the internet for all these needs.