On investigating the individual in the contemporary ICT and media environment

Abstract

Research into the rapidly changing area of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) in society has been performed by companies, educational institutions and governmental authorities as well as individual researchers. Still, there is rather scarce information about the premises for practice, that is, which factors influence how and why individuals use ICT, and how practices of use influence their lives? Do specific groups develop specific practices, and is youth, as it is commonly assumed, one such group? If so, do the practices influence for example the students’ views of knowledge and learning?

The educational area especially lacks information about whether and to what extent ICT influence students in a way that may have consequences for the educational sector. Before proceeding into research on the topic of ICT and youth from an educational point of view, we need to consider the methodological aspects of this enterprise. What are the phenomena we want to identify and describe? Which methods can or should we use for the task?

In this article I will point out some of the shortcomings of previous research on how people use ICT and how it affects their lives. Consequently, I will also suggest how research in this area might be improved.