Perceptions of Connectedness: Public Access Computing and Social Inclusion in Colombia

Abstract

Of all the benefits public access computers (PAC) offer users, one stands apart: stronger personal connections with friends and family. A closer look at the results of a qualitative study among users of libraries, telecenters, and cybercafés in Colombia, South America, shows that social media and personal relationships can also have an important community and sociopolitical dimension. By fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness to community and to a larger world, PAC usage often leads to feelings of empowerment and development of social capital, two intangible factors that are critical for community development. This study used a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and interviews in five regions of the country, to uncover the benefits of PAC for underserved communities. Its findings contribute new insight about the impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) on community development and social inclusion.Acknowledgements: Authors wish to thank graduate students for their contributions and comments to this paper. We also thank Leonardo Alvarez for his support translating and reviewing the English versions of some interviews, field notes and analysis.

Digital inclusion of the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia: Remote virtual mechanism for usability of telecentres amongst indigenous peoples

“…All these partnerships of networks and collaborations are consistent with Baron and Gomez (2012) arguments that sense of belongingness and connectedness to the outside world often leads to feelings of empowerment and development of social capital which are intangible impact of ICTs. In this regard, the heightened sense of connectedness and access to variety of information without limit further led to sense of empowerment, confidence building and stronger self‐esteem.…”