Negotiating Social Practices:: The Role of Ubiquitous Computing In Students’ Lives

This project explores how the digital divide goes beyond issues of access. In addition, I argue that the concept of a digital generation, or digital native is too simplistic. While young people are more dependent on ubiquitous computing devices such as cell phones, the way they are interpreting and using these technologies, even among users with the same access to ICTs, is different and varies from user to user. My research shows that while Carleton students see their use of mobile technology as increasingly and undeniably central to the way they communicate, form and express their social identities and form collectivities, the way they are using these technologies and the meaning they assign them is fluid and changeable, forcing them to constantly negotiate with each other what kind of cell phone use is appropriate. This study conducted 13 semi-structured interviews with students between the ages of 17-26. The objective of this project is to provide some theoretical insights into how the integration and prevalence of smartphones as a proxy for computer mediated communication (CMC) is transforming everyday social interactions.