Hedgehog

The BBC is currently broadcasting a superb documentary series about the internet and how it will change any and all of us in the future.
Last night’s episode, Homo Interneticus, was all about social networks such as Facebook and how they influence our lives.

At the end of this episode, an online test was mentioned which attempts to determine how you behave when online, in animal terms.

Of course, I had to take it. My result:

You are a Web Hedgehog

HedgehogSlow-moving – Web Hedgehogs are careful internet users, taking their time to find the right information – just as the real-world hedgehog carefully searches out insects and berries.
Solitary – Hedgehogs lead mainly solitary lives and are happiest foraging for food of their own. In the ecology of the Internet, you also prefer to go it alone, rarely relying on information on social networks or other sites whose content is created by its users.
Specialised – The hedgehog relies for protection on its highly specialised ability to roll into a spiky ball. Similarly, your test suggests you are a specialised web user, best suited to concentrating on one thing at a time rather than attempting to multitask.

Yourself?
Test requires (painless) registration and about 20 minutes of your time.

11 thoughts on “Hedgehog”

  1. I’m a Web Elk!

    “Slow-moving – Web Elks like you take their time finding exactly the right morsels of information – just like the real-world elk who carefully browses for shoots and leaves to eat.

    Sociable – Real-world elks are social and stay in herds to protect themselves from predators. When you browse the web you are also a social creature, often using social networks, or other sites whose content is created by its users, as sources of information.

    Specialised – Web Elks perform best when they focus on one thing at a time, rather than trying to multitask. Just as the real-world Elk is perfectly specialised for its environment, you have learned that while the web makes it possible to multitask, it’s not always the best approach.”

    No multitasking for me…!

  2. I’m a Giant Fire-Breathing Serpent With Supernatural Power!

    (actually i just made that up–didn’t take the online test–sorry)

  3. I’m a Web Elephant

    Web Elephants like you browse the internet at a stately, methodical pace – rarely see a reason to rush things.

    Web Elephants are both highly social. Keep track of their own extended family trees. As a Web Elephant, you often use social networking sites to keep track of your friends of family and are happy to rely on information from sites whose content is created by its users.

    As a Web Elephant you are adaptable and well-suited to carrying out several different tasks at the same time.

  4. [quote comment=”9584″]I’m Bob, and you’re not.[/quote]

    Bob is a mighty Web Guru.

    Bob sit atop the Mount du Billy, high above the scenic motherboard squatting cross-legged on his bench named Ethyl, uttering those oh so mysterious words to the cyber world…

    “Ommmmmmmmmm….I’m Bob, and you’re not.”

  5. I thought you were a web ThingFish!
    or maybe:
    Web Poodle?
    Web (Mud/Yellow) Shark?
    Web (Pygmy) Pony?
    Web (Modified) Dog?

  6. The online fan community, though? Rabid, contrary, bloviating, arrogant, misinformed, close-minded, vitriolic, territorial, and confrontational. There are some shining stars out there. My friends running Kill Ugly Radio are great. It’s in the comment boards, however, that the discourse can veer into some unappetizing turf. Some of these bozos can’t comprehend first of all that Frank Zappa was not only human, but one with many character flaws.

  7. [quote comment=”9611″]The online fan community, though? Rabid, contrary, bloviating, arrogant, misinformed, close-minded, vitriolic, territorial, and confrontational. There are some shining stars out there. My friends running Kill Ugly Radio are great. It’s in the comment boards, however, that the discourse can veer into some unappetizing turf. Some of these bozos can’t comprehend first of all that Frank Zappa was not only human, but one with many character flaws.[/quote]
    I see I’m not alone in reading Alex’ Reviews Site, Bob! 🙂

  8. “Web Ostrich

    Fast-moving – We can tell from your results that you are a speedy surfer – one of the characteristics of the Web Ostrich, whose real-world counterpart has an impressive top speed of 45mph.

    Sociable – The web is a social place. You take full advantage of this when you search for information by using social networks and other sites whose content is created by its users. Real-world ostriches are also highly social, even keeping eggs in each other’s nests to share the burden.

    Specialised – The real-world ostrich is a true specialist, highly adapted to survive in hot, dusty African grasslands. You might not be at risk from lions when browsing the web, but you are still very focused. From your test we can tell you do best when you concentrate on one task at time, rather than several things at once.”

    Ha! I can scream at my kids, browse the web, write a review, and listen to music in one big swoop. I am the mega-multitasking music monster.

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