July 05, 2006
Is the Internet changing people’s personalities?
Robert and I recorded a podcast this morning with a Reno Real Estate agent that gets it. Diane Cohn uses her blog and podcasting to introduce herself to potential buyers online. None of us will be surprised to know that much of the initial home buying research is performed on the Internet. During this process, buyers are more likely to find Diane because of her blog and podcast (stayed tuned to the Horse Power Podcast for the interview).
Prior to recording the podcast, we were chatting about whom her ideal clients are. She made the statement that she really likes those that do their initial research on the Internet because they are smart, ask good questions, understand the market better, are upfront and tend to be fun loving. This made my wheels start turning and I started thinking of some compelling questions:
- Is the Internet creating a new personality type?
- Do the core personalities of those individuals who spend a large part of their time online differ from those who don’t?
- Are the habits and patterns that we are learning online influence us in social settings?
- Does repeated uses of search engines cause us to be more straight forward and upfront?
- Does the analytical process used to research online extend into our personal and professional life?
- Does the social networking skills we cultivate online (IM, email, MySpace, Linkedin) carry over to how we network in real life?
I’m sure it won’t be too long before someone turns these types of questions into a book.
Technorati : Internet, Personalities
Posted in Current Affairs, Relationships, Technology
July 6th, 2006 at 9:56 am
Definitely an interesting topic for a book. However, I think there has alway been a separation between those that have an insatiable appetite for information and social interaction, and those that simply do not. Yes, the Internet opens the door to more information and more interaction, but it is still a tool. Of course, tools have always played an integral role in the evolution of humanity.
July 10th, 2006 at 3:40 pm
I agree with Robert’s comment. While the Internet definitely makes it easier for people to access this type of information, the ‘personality type’ that prefers to educate tehmselves prior to going to a professional is definitely not new, i.e. Consumer Reports has had a huge circulation for a long time.
Great blog, I’ll keep reading.
July 11th, 2006 at 8:28 am
Josh, thanks for the comment. I wonder if the internet has made it so easy to educate yourself that people who normally wouldn’t pick up Consumer Reports is are now doing that type of research. Maybe the question is, “Has the Internet increased the base of consumers that have an insatiable appetite for information?”