What is a visitor and resident map?
White and Le Cornu (2017) describe “visitor” and “resident” as ways to visualize the usage of online platforms. A visitor would be used to describe someone who only uses a certain platform for a specific reason, or to look for a certain tool. A resident would be someone who inhabits a digital platform, using it to create relationships and to converse with others, leaving traces of engagement.
Below is my own visitor and resident map!
What digital platforms do I use for personal reasons? For professional reasons? For both?
The majority of digital platforms I use are in resident mode and for personal reasons. I use some platforms more than others, but overall, I tend to inhabit fewer spaces rather than visit many. The platforms that I engage with in resident mode are also the ones that I use for personal reasons, like streaming platforms and social medias like Instagram. The platforms that I engage with in visitor mode are more likely to be ones that I use for professional/institutional reasons. One of the platforms that I use for both personal and professional reasons is Reddit. I enjoy exploring the platform to hear others’ thoughts on my favourite books, movies, and TV shows, but I also sometimes seek information about topics relating to school and professional development.
Final Thoughts
While I don’t have a vast professional network or professional digital identity, I think that it shows that I am more selective about which digital platforms I use. I don’t like having to keep track of several accounts from different online spaces, so I try to limit how many things I sign up for. Hopefully, anyone assessing my digital identity would see that I seek out digital platforms that enhance my digital presence in meaningful ways.
— Sofia
White, D. S., & Le Cornu, A. (2017). Using “visitors and residents” to visualize digital practices. First Monday, 8(7). https://firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/7802/6515
