A Typology of Information and Communication Technology Users

Productivity Enhancers

Productivity Enhancers happily get things done with information technology, at home and at work. But they don’t often stray into the world of interactive and mobile media.

Like Lackluster Veterans, Productivity Enhancers have been online a long time and have folded internet use into their lives. Unlike Lackluster Veterans, this adoption of modern information gadgetry has been met with their strong approval. With high-speed connections available at home and work, with feature-filled cell phones, Productivity Enhancers believe that ICTs give them an edge – in doing their jobs, keeping up with family and friends, learning new things, and overall personal productivity.

This posture toward communication technology leaves less room for user-generated content, so it is not too likely that a member of this group will blog, although some do share their creations on the Web. This distinguishes Productivity Enhancers from Omnivores and Connectors, who are far more likely to do activities relating to user-generated content, as well as other leading edge online activities such as downloading podcasts or downloading music and video.

Pew Internet Logo

Copyright 2012 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.