Online Favela: The Use of Social Media by the Marginalized in Brazil

Abstract

Based on fieldwork over six months in the favelas (urban slums) of Vitória, Brazil, this paper focuses on the motivations, engagements and adoption of social media by marginalized people in community technology centers (CTCs). It asks the following questions: (1) what is their experience using CTCs? (2) How does their experience inform the ways we should think about what constitutes empowerment vis-à-vis social media? This paper emphasizes the socio-cultural aspects of social media practices among marginalized people and attempts to understand such aspects and practices from their perspective. It argues that theoretical positions stemming from technology utilitarianism need expanding, because mundane and non-instrumental practices observed in the favelas shed light on the importance of technology in a variety of dimensions within people's lives. Encompassing such practices contributes to a broader comprehension of the engagements and ingenious strategies that help shape the daily use of technology by marginalized people.