What is a Digital Space Map?
A digital space map is a way for people to see how they are engaging in the different modes of online engagement. There are four spaces: visitor, resident, personal and professional. If you find yourself searching the internet for information, watching videos, or online shopping, you are considered to be a visitor. The user leaves no social trace in the above scenarios. Conversely, if you are active on social media, such as making comments or joining in an online discussion, then you are considered a resident. In this space, you are active online and you are engaging with others. These actions leave a social trace. The last two spaces, personal and professional, refer to the way that the person uses the application (or app) or internet. For example, an email account used to send pictures to a family member would be considered personal. An example of a professional use would be my Twitter account since it is only used for class assignments.
My Digital Space Map:
(Photo credit: multiple google image searches)
What my Digital Map says about me:
After mapping out my digital space, I realized that I do not have a big social media presence. I tend to be more of a visitor. I do a lot of researching, Googling, and watching videos to stay up to date on assignments for classes. I am a resident of Twitter and Blogger for class assignments, but it isn't something I use on a personal level. When it comes to things that are in two spaces, such as Google, I use the search engine not only for my personal use, but also for looking up things for work and school (professional). I also found that I am a resident when it comes to apps like Instagram, Snapchat, Pintrest, and text messaging. I use those apps for my own personal use, but not on a professional level. When I am on the apps, I am interacting with friends or groups that have similar interests. These actions leave behind a social trace.
