Users & Usage

In his analysis, Djick identifies two types of user participation, which he calls implicit and explicit usage. Implicit usage is an extension of the technological aspects of a social platform (33). Implicit usage means that user participation aligns with how developers intended for the platform to be used (33). Unlike its parent company PayPal, Venmo is meant to be used among users that already exist within the same network. A user’s network is determined by importing a list of contacts from either their phonebook or Facebook profile. Users are also able to find each other by searching for their names or phone numbers.

Explicit usage is how users actually interact with the platform (33). Explicit usage where user resistance – defiant actions that occur on a platform – is likely to occur. Fortunately, there aren’t many opportunities for user resistance on Venmo’s platform. In fact, Venmo users are given lots of freedom when it comes to using the app. This is most likely to compensate for having to input valuable information. While users are required to put in a first and last name, they are not required to use the same name on their bank account. Additionally, users can create their own username that can be used to find their profile on the app. Similarly, when sending requests and payments, users are required to provide a description. Venmo has that allows users to turn on emoji within the app, which they can then use in the description box in place of words.

Source:
Dijck, Jose Van. "Disassembling Platforms, Reassembling Sociality." In The Culture of Connectivity: A Critical History of Social Media, 24-44. New York: Oxford University Press, 2013.