Social Informatics Challenges Connected with Generational Changes and the Design, Acceptance and Use of ICT

Abstract

Following various information and communications technology (ICT) or information system design efforts, the issue of ICT acceptance and use by a selected social category is an important theme for a number of academic fields dealing with sociotechnical interaction. One of these areas is social informatics (SI), which connects the social sciences and informatics. SI emerged as a label in various regions, being associated with different historical backgrounds and thematic focus. This paper discusses the impact of generational changes on transformations in sociotechnical interaction from a SI research perspective. With the coming of new generations, there is a need for continuous validation of theories and past conclusions about ICT design, acceptance, and use resulting from previous empirical research. On the other hand, with the aging of current generations and their adaptation to modern ICT, there is a need to create a knowledge base about design approaches appropriate for the capabilities of these generations that arise from the use of ICT. The same can be applied to any other social category, e.g. disadvantaged people. In this respect, the paper draws attention to the need of the US and Western European SI schools of thought to create and validate the theoretical basis of SI across the idea landscape of these schools – an effort which may result in their tighter integration.