What Type of Social Networker Are You?

As I was reading a recent issue of Red Herring magazine, I came across an interesting networking classification that was put together by Carnegie Mellon University’s Human Computer Interaction Institute.  Below are seven types of social networkers. Which one are you?  For me, I fall into “The Communicator” category.

The Matriach

She is a person who acts as a central planner for the groups she belongs to.  She puts forth time and effort that other group members are not willing to put forth.  She does not publish information very often but needs help keeping in contact and communicating with people.

The Communicator

He actively keeps up to date with existing connections through viewing and publishing information.  He does not meet new people through online social networks; rather, he uses online tools to strengthen his current connections.

The Addict

She does it all and then some.  She uses online social networking to keep up with her existing contacts and also to forge new connections.  She is a member of so many sites that it is often burdensome to find new content that her friends have posted.

The Escapist

She uses the Internet to escape from the stresses of everyday life.  She will communicate with her current connections, and also try to reconnect with old ones.  Her biggest need is to “get out of the house.”

The Entrepreneur

He seeks to expand his social network not only for social purposes, but for business purposes as well.  He mixes business information with personal information in order to advertise and promote.

The Dater

He seeks to establish new contacts online, with the goal of starting a personal relationship with one of these new connections.  He actively searches, publishes, and reads information in order to fine a compatible connection.
 
The Lurker

He is an active consumer of information but is extremely reluctant to publish content himself.  He is very concerned about privacy, and may not view others’ content if he knows that other people will be able to identify that he has viewed their content.

To read more insights about social networking, check out my Technology Articles.

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