As Orlikowski states, when we are introduced to new technologies or new inventions, we try to think of them using already existing technological frames in our minds. That is, we will describe and think of them in terms of older technologies so as to better allow us to understand and use the new technologies. I would most certainly keep this concept in mind while explaining to a 40-60 year old person what facebook is and how to use it.
If the person I am explaining facebook to just took it using already existing technological frames in their mind, they would almost absolutely miss out on many interesting and useful features within the social networking site. The first step would be to explain to them how a social networking community like Facebook is not just another email or picture album, but a site that truly allows many types of CMC interaction between a variety of people and friends all around the world. I would emphasize the ability to network and learn more about your current and future acquaintances through their profiles and other means of communication available on facebook like the wall and private messages. I would explain to them that there are many other tools available then just messaging and so on, and construct a tutorial forcing them to use several different features. Join a group, create an event and invite friends to the invite with RSVP's, upload a picture and tag it, create a note, instant message with a friend, etc... I would try to place each of these into the context of an existing technological frame that they are already familiar with to make the transition smoother. I would make absolutely sure that they understand and are learning from their training, since training is one of the most important parts of their understanding of a new technology, and eventual creation of a new technological frame.
I believe that once they discover the ease at which they can find lost friends, and learn what they are doing with their life today, as well as choose how they wish to represent themselves in this social networking space, it will become easier to understand why existing frames will not completely allow them to describe facebook. This is the return on investment that makes it worth their time, being able to connect with old friends and acquaintances, and explore a new world of people and events. Also, just being able to say to their children/grandchildren that they are now users of and completely understanding of the facebook social networking technology. Once this occurs they should even begin to enjoy their time on facebook as many younger people do which is another positive return on the time spent creating their online persona through facebook.
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I like how you say you would describe Facebook in the context of existing technological frames to new users in order to ease the transition. However, one must also be careful not to draw too close of an analogy in some cases. For example, posting a Facebook note is indeed like making a blog post (if the person we are introducing Facebook to is already aware of the blogging technological frame). However, there is a difference in audience, and in capability (i.e. you can tag other people in your note). Explicitly mentioning this and giving a few examples of why it might be useful would go a long way in developing that person’s technological frame for understanding Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI like your discussion of the ROI for older age groups. I didn't even think about the fact that they would be able to bridge the generation gap by adopting these new technologies. I think that would be a huge incentive for a lot of people in this demographic. People are so worried about feeling out of touch with their children and grandchildren, that if they thought facebook would allow these young people to see them in a new light I think they'd definitely be willing to invest the time and effort in learning how to use it.
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