Assignment 5 (Eric Gunther)

Orlikowski says that two things affect how users react to a new technology: the product information given to them and the training they receive. The Facebook homepage is very minimalist and offers little information about their product; while younger users are quick to jump on the next internet fad, older users (in the 40-60 year old range) require more to become users. Additionally, Facebook offers no training for their product, under the assumption that most of their users are savvy enough to figure things out. This assumption works for younger users because most of them already have Myspace sites, Xangas, Livejournals, etc. The older crowd however, has what Orlikowski calls "technological frames" that vary from Facebook a great deal.

To introduce Facebook to an adult of this age I would make a comparison first: Facebook is like your rolodex on steroids. Everyone (hopefully) you know has a Facebook page and on it they have their phone number, instant messenger, random personal information like interests and musical tastes, even their picture! Think of how your business opportunities would grow if, instead of a black book of contacts who you can barely remember, you had access to their interests, previous places of employment, and of course a picture so you don't forget what they look like. While kids use Facebook for social networking, adults could find it extremely useful for business networking, staying in contact with family members, etc. 

But of course this all sounds too complicated; the rolodex or address book only require the ability to turn pages. According to Orlikowski "training users on new technology is central to their understanding of its capabilities and appreciating how it differs from other technologies"; people just can't learn on their own. Obviously my training for Facebook would include some kind of user manual or a guiding CD, but that's not nearly enough for the user to truly appreciate how Facebook differs from traditional technology. I would have the trainee attempt two business interactions with a colleague from their past: in one situation they get to use Facebook and in the other they only have their colleagues phone number and perhaps address. Hopefully the trainee will then be able to understand the value of Facebook.

As Grudin puts it, people are happier if a technology "makes life easier, more enjoyable or garners respect." No doubt having all your contacts available with a few clicks makes life easier. Viewing their interests, pictures and events makes life more enjoyable. And remembering that someone's favorite activity is golf might land you on the greens, making deals and gaining respect. Let's see your rolodex do that.