“The Short Guide To New Media Stereotypes”

Were you at the front of the queue when the new iPad came out?  In fact when any new gadget is launched, are you literally straight down the High Street on Saturday morning to get an upgrade?  The recent frenzied clamour of people rushing to grab a new iPad was akin to the seasonal feverish demand for new toys at Christmas.  In fact, it appears these days that a grown adult is more likely to behave like a kid where new technology is concerned, as they join the stampede to get hold of these new toys.  What is it that drives the ambitious businessman and women to literally drop everything to get down to the Apple Store at the earliest opportunity and discard their trusty (new) mobile for another one?  

On the other hand for others technology has absolutely no appeal whatsoever.   What’s your relationship to mobile phones, technology and the new media ‘thang’, and does your personality play a part in that?

In my work as a Coach/Consultant, of course behaviour and attitude is one of my specialties. I’ve given this some deep thought and have come up with 4 New Media stereotypes who I think you will recognise.  I think this slightly irreverent blog accurately illustrates the very stark differences in most people’s attitudes to technology. And it may explain why some of us are either fervent fans whilst others find that gadgets and gizmo’s leave them completely cold. 

I’ve drawn on my work as a DISC Consultant which is a really simple way for individuals to understand themselves and others.  We’re all different and therefore this will reflect in our attitude to technology and New Media. But do you recognise yourself here?

Are you The Plutocrat?

Perhaps you’re an ambitious business owner who HAS to have the very latest mobile phone and wouldn’t be seen dead without one.  To you a mobile is a status symbol.  Do you take great pains to make sure that EVERYONE sees you using it?  It’s all part of the carefully crafted image you have of yourself as you wave your iPhone around at the Networking meeting or in the Boardroom. 

Years ago it was the Rolodex.  Now, you’re nobody unless you have a Blackberry or an iPhone.  Interestingly, although this type likes to have the latest toys, quite often they haven’t a clue how they work, and either get their kids or their PA to show them how to use them.  However, heads will roll if they’ve been supplied with the wrong version, or someone comments on what poor taste they have in phones (or worse, actually comments on their cluelessness in this area).  

Hands-Free was inventied for the Plutocrat as they negotiate their next big deal from their car.  As long as they have the most expensive, limited edition (i.e. a gold plated or studded with diamonds which makes them look powerful or important) they’re happy.

The TechnoKid

Do you readily discard your barely new phone to upgrade it at the first opportunity? Do you literally have a draw full of spare phones at home, some of which are literally only weeks old?  Addicted to Technology? You Bet!  The whole  mobile recycling industry would grind to a halt without you guys.  Does the thought of getting an upgrade or a new app for your phone makes you drool?  Newness and novelty play a big part in your life.

In fact do you get bored with your phone so quickly that you’ve been know to accidentally ‘lose’ your phone in the washing machine or drop it down the toilet just so you can get a brand new one? Yep – deep joy!  The TechnoKid has a charming, childlike attitude to technology. 

They love talking on their phones, and are the ones who take those charming photos of all their friends in the pub when they are off their faces after 20 pints – and post them up on Facebook the next morning.  They send millions of text messages, and are the first to announce what new phone they’ve just acquired.  The mobile phone industry has grown rich on these boys and girls!

What about this…The Technophobe

And Proud!  Have you not upgraded your mobile for at least  5 years?  Does your phone actually never get switched on…?  In fact is it almost impossible for ANYONE to reach you on your mobile phone because you only save it for emergencies (except that nobody can ACTUALLY reach you in an emergency except by writing you a letter or sending a carrier pigeon?). 

All technology makes them so stressed that just walking onto an Apple Store would send them into information overload.  And as for searching for one on the Internet. Forget it! 

Plus because they hardly EVER use their phone, it’s either run out of credits, the battery has died or they can’t even remember their own phone number?  If they actually LOST their mobile phone, they’d frankly not even be that bothered.  These folk are so not interested in technology, and they actually love the fact that nobody calls them.  The Technophobe barely manages to learn how to send a text message either, and when they do, they usually end up sending a message to the wrong person by mistake (e.g. NASA).

Special training should be given to Call Centre staff for Technophobes because the whole thing terrifies them.  They need very careful handling to prevent complete meltdown.

Lastly, The TechnoNerd

These people spend hours researching all the latest products, and are frequently to be found answering all your vexing queries on Forums.  Where would we be without these lovely people? They know how everything works and love showing the Technophobes how to use theirs when they finally cave in to join the technology super highway.  What the rest of us find as boring as watching paint dry, they embrace with relish. 

If you go on a date with a TechnoNerd, be prepared for a lengthy explanation and demonstration of how each of the features on their phone works.  Warning. If your phone is a bit out of date, just lie and say you’ve left it at home. But remember, you’ll be in the presence of an expert so take lots of notes!!

Every Plutocrat has a TechnoNerd on their team somewhere.  They are usually hastily summonsed to give a short tutorial on how to switch on their new phone or to make a call.  (However, the Plutocrat would never admit this shortcoming in a million years, so if you’re a TechnoNerd you’ve got a job for life). 

The TechnoNerd has an encyclopedic knowledge of phones and technology.  In fact they invented all the buzz words and acronyms – they just love ‘em!  In fact they love chatting for days in the pub about phones with other TechnoNerds.  They like nothing more than to spend a few happy hours creating new applications or ‘Apps’ for every conceivable use. 

The trouble with The TechnoNerd is that they are so immersed in the whole subject that nobody else can understand a word they’re saying.  They really can only relate to other TechnoNerds – so think twice about letting them loose on the general public. You’re better off giving them a stiff drink and handing them a very complex problem to solve with your phone to keep them quiet.

I hope you enjoyed this quick tour of the New Media stererotypes.  Do you fit the description?  Do you recognise anyone on the list? Do post a comment and let me know.