Connecting or Isolating: Culturally based perceptions of cell phones, computers and internet

In my earlier post, I had written about how new media technologies such as cell phones are involved in creation of new cultures. In this post, I explore how cultural values, in particular communication goals of a group shape the perceptions and uses of technology.

Culture and in particular communication goals and practices of a community may impact how technologies are viewed and perceived. In his article, Leonardi (2003) examined how cultural communicative practices affect the perceptions of cell phones, computers and internet among first generation, working class United States Latinos. He conducted 7 focus groups with an average of 11 participants in each group. The average age of participants was 34 and the average age of residency in the United States was 13 years.

His study revealed that United States Latinos perceived cell phones as connecting devices whereas computers and internet as isolating devices. He found that cell phones were viewed as technology that enhanced interpersonal communication with those near or far and allowed them to be in touch with their loved ones – anytime, anywhere. On the other hand, they thought of computers and internet as devices that enable people to access information and hence save time. Despite their usefulness, they commented that the excess use of computers and internet could isolate you from family. Whereas the only criticism they had for cell phone usage was its use by people in public places such as churches.

The fact that participants found it easier to use cell phones, unlike computers and internet because language was a barrier, meant that they fully understood the capabilities of technology and had positive perceptions of cell phones. Therefore, it may seem that cultural communication values shape how communication technologies are understood and used.