Five days ago I got an email from Cornelia Carter-Sykes at the Pew Internet and American Life Project notifying me of their most recent report. I hadn't posted because I wanted to study the findings which summarize the newest data on technology adoption. This particular set of data is presented by Pew staffer John Horrigan who acts as an Associate Director in Pew Research.
The report (download the Pdf here) outlines Pew's categories of Information and Communication Technology Users. The findings show that a full 31% of the American population fit in the most elite categories of technology usage.
Here are the ten categories they've identified:
- Omnivores
- Connectors
- Lackluster veterans
- Productivity enhancers
- Mobile centrics
- Connected but hassled
- Inexperienced experimenters
- Light but satisfied
- Indifferent
- Off the Network
By taking this quiz you can determine where you fit in the spectrum of users. To identify the group you belong to, take the quiz and calculate the results from your own media usage. After you answer the quiz questions, press the 'Calculate My Results' button. A new page will tell you which group you fit into, along with a description of the general characteristics of that group.
If you're reading this blog, chances are you are an omnivore or a connector.
The Pew Internet Project is a non-profit, non-partisan initiative of the Pew Research Center that produces reports exploring the impact of the Internet.
I am, apparently, a connector.
Some of the questions in the quiz seem to be poking for information that the Roper Institute identifed as marking “Influentials.” See the book: “The Influentials: One American in Ten Tells the Other Nine How to Vote, Where to Eat, and What to Buy”
Rich
BlogRodent
Your qualification as a connector is surprising – since we are primarily 30-something females. I on the other hand, fit perfectly into that category, I mean besides the 30-something part.
I would have thought you an omnivore and think it’s likely you are on the line. I cannot be an omnivore because technology sometimes intimidates me (as you well know). It may be that you don’t qualify as an omnivore based on the litmus test – video usage. Omnivores make, send and receive lots of video – they watch tv on their ipods, etc.
I have always considered myself an “Influential” by the Roper Institute definition – especially: likes to read a lot, early adopter of cell phones and internet and most importantly – does not like bowling or extreme sports.
Hmm, apparently I’m a “Connector” as well. Which, being in my late 20’s, would seem to make me somewhat inversely precocious.
Maybe I should buy a Blackberry to upgrade myself to “Omnivore” status?
-T
But, you’re certainly NOT a female. Wait a minute…upon further review of connector demographics (55% are female), I realize those numbers only reflect a gender breakdown for standard population demographics.
I guess what is surprising about those numbers is that 20 years ago, computer users in general, were 90% male. At least that’s what my grad work concluded.
Buying a Blackberry for texting alone won’t upgrade you to omnivore status unfortunately. That status is reserved for those who are using their Blackberry Pearls for video streaming and other video driven applications.
Video consumption is the only way to “up” your status….unless, of course, you bought your pastor a Blackberry….
A Blackberry in Bob’s hands would rob him of his weekly three seconds of peace. In your hands, well, you might end up in Technoholic’s Anonymous meetings…
(Yes, I made that up.)
-T
Silly, Tobias, TA meetings are reserved for omnivores.
I thought I would be a lackluster veteran based on my age. Turns out I’m an omnivore. I guess instead of my age, I should have been guessing based on my weight.
LOL. Bob. You crack me up.
Suddenly you must have free time on your hands, what you post a comment on my blog (which I haven’t had time to respond to yet, sorry) and then you hie on over here to belittle your bell-shaped curve?
Anyone who knows you would immediately pick you as an omnivore, friend.
Rich
BlogRodent