A Typology of Information and Communication Technology Users

Connectors surround themselves with technology and use it to connect with people and digital content. They get a lot out of their mobile devices and participate actively in online life.

This group got online just a bit later relative to Omnivores, but they have quickly marched up the adoption curve in terms of acquiring information and communications goods and services. Connectors have moved fast in integrating the cell phone into their lives and use it especially as a tool to stay in touch with friends and family. They also use ICT to contribute to the online digital commons through sharing their creations online or blogging. All in all, Connectors like information technology and they are willing to stretch the boundaries of its basic functions, whether that is online or with their cell phones.

Yet Connectors are generally a step behind Omnivores in terms of the gadgets they have and the depth and scope of their online participation. Connectors generally have one fewer information tool than Omnivores – for some it is probably an MP3 player, for others a web camera. They are also less than half as likely as Omnivores to have their own blogs or participate in group blogs, and less likely to have their own web pages or remix content for the internet. Nonetheless, Connectors rate above all other groups (except Omnivores) on measures of access to information age hardware and participation in cyberspace.

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Copyright 2013 Pew Internet & American Life Project

The Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project is one of seven projects that make up the Pew Research Center. The Center is supported by The Pew Charitable Trust.