Information and Communication Technologies in Everyday Life: A Concise Introduction and Research Guide

Description

The internet, television, mobile phones, computer-based devices and other new forms of information technology are changing at a rapid pace with potentially profound but also subtle influences on social life. Yet, they also pose challenges and have to be managed. This book offers a succinct introduction to both the experience and implications of these information and communication technologies (ICTs) in everyday life. Bringing together empirical and theoretical research in a coherent way, the author offers a fresh approach to understanding ICTs and everyday life. He covers topics in key areas, such as 'the digital divide'; children, youth and ICTs; the dynamics of ICTs within households; social networks and ICTs; and time, movement and public space in relationship to ICTs. Drawing on a broad variety of studies from different countries, the author considers the potential, or feared, social consequences of ICTs. Throughout, he analyzes what factors are shaping the debates surrounding information and communication technologies in daily life. With its concise, international approach, this book will be invaluable to professionals, policymakers and students who work in the field of ICTs.

Leslie Haddon is Visiting Research Associate in Media at the London School of Economics

'Leslie Haddon - one of the most influential new media researchers - employs the general concept of "domestication" to bring the reader into the complex social dynamics shaping, and often taming, the impact of technologies like the computer and mobile phone in everyday life.' Professor William H. Dutton, Director, Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford 'This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the relationship between the new information and communication technologies and society. The author shows how the relationships between ICTs and society are never as clean and clear cut as some media, policy and even academic representation might have us believe - the discussion of the 'digital divide' being an excellent expose of some of the sloppy thinking that has gone before.' Ben Anderson, University of Essex 'Haddon provides a useful framework and presents complex and diverse results in a clear and concise fashion. This is a book that will be of use to students and researchers alike, and hopefully at least a few of our ICT gurus will take a break from their pontificating to take a look at what the serious and systematic efforts of an army of social researchers actually tells us.' Professor Ian Miles, University of Manchester 'An excellent survey of the topic, this book does a superb job of synthesizing a rapidly growing body of research.' Ralph Schroeder, Chalmers University, Sweden 'The strength of this book really lies in the deep knowledge Haddon has of ICT's, gained from many years researching the topic from different angles, with a range of research partners and contexts, and the way he is able to convey his material is a well-organised, clear and rigorous manner.' Gerard Goggin, University of Queensland, Media International Australia (Feb 2006)