Information society policies 2.0: a critical analysis of the potential and pitfalls of social computing & informatics in the light of e-inclusion

In this paper we reflect on how research and policies can and/or should help in the development of a sustainable information society for all. More specifically, we critically investigate how social computing & informatics can entail both potential and pitfalls, especially with regard to the difficult relationship between digital and social inclusion. First of all, traditional information society policies are scrutinized. Furthermore, we point at the existence of digital inequalities and we reflect briefly on policy intervention on this (e-inclusion). In addition, we also evaluate the raise of social computing & informatics. Finally, attention is given to the challenge of how research can contribute to the participation of all in the information society

Alignment dynamics in eGovernment: behind the scenes of local governments

Local governments are increasingly swamped by the endless possibilities that arise from information and communication technologies. They are challenged to incorporate ICTs in their daily processess and strive to thus become more efficient and effective organizations. Yet, a lot of factors come into play when ICTs are introduced within local governments. Soon organizational dynamics are entangled with the new dynamics that stem from the newly introduced ICTs. In this paper we explore the dynamic process of aligning local governments with technology by using the 7Smodel as a framework to analyze how seven different elements, both hard and soft, mutually affect each other and make out the local dynamics. We state that these elements influence how local governments deal with change, and in this respect, how they deal with technology. We stress the interrelations between the seven factors and the organizational dynamics as a result of the interplay between these factors to point out the complexity of the alignment process in local governments. Beter insights in the organizational factors that encircle the implementation of ICTs will lead to a more profound understanding of how the process of alignment comes into practice in local governments. By taking into account the complex process of alignment ICT-projects will be more successful

'Catching the user' in online research: an innovative approach for respondent recruitment

Most APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are used in social science research to retrieve metadata on media objects, harvesting descriptive data (e.g. tags) and user interaction with the object (e.g. number of comments), or on media subjects (e.g. number of posts) as they enable instantaneous, automated and repeatable data collection. This paper elaborates on another use of APIs; namely as a tool for the recruitment of respondents from online platforms. We will present two case studies in which APIs were used to recruit respondents from YouTube and Twitter and to invite them to participate in an online survey. Using these case studies as a springboard, we will point to the methodological opportunities and challenges, and, importantly, to the ethical considerations related to using APIs for enlisting respondents, such as the blurred distinction between private and public spaces or between ‘being in public’ and ‘being public’

Social Media for Digital and Social Inclusion: Challenges for Information Society 2.0 Research & Policies

In this paper we reflect on how research and policies can and/or should help in the development of a sustainable participatory information society for all. More specifically, we aim to investigate critically how social media can entail both potential and pitfalls, especially with regard to the difficult relationship between digital and social inclusion. First of all, traditional information society policies are scrutinized. Furthermore, we point at the existence of digital inequalities and we reflect briefly on policy intervention on e-inclusion. In addition, we also evaluate the raise of social media. Finally, attention is given to the challenge of how research can contribute to the participation of all in the information society

Adolescents' privacy on social network sites: an investigation of predictors of privacy protection behavior

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What social media data mean for audience studies: a multidimensional investigation of Twitter use during a current affairs TV programme

Both practitioners and researchers embrace the increasing volume of digital data to measure and understand audiences. This study focuses on Twitter use during an eminent Belgian current affairs television (TV) programme to investigate how people talk about TV on Twitter. The main objective of the study is to understand how we can interpret these digital traces and, in extension, discuss its utility and value for audience studies. More specifically, we define two validity issues related to the use of social media data: that is, the technological bias of data analysis and the alleged objectivity of the data. These issues are addressed through the combination of Twitter data and user insights. In particular, we focus on interaction patterns and the content of Twitter messages in relation to TV content. We compliment these analyses with in-depth interviews with a selection of Twitter users. The results confirm the variations and complexities of the use of digital objects such as the @-sign and the hashtag. In addition, although Twitter messages are unobtrusive measures, they reflect performances in the sense that they entail interpretations as well as representations of the self and one's programme taste. Users predominantly feel the need to scrutinize the actions and utterances of politicians and experts. The use of irony and sarcasm exemplifies the playfulness and fun factor of these activities. To conclude, we elaborate on the results in relation to the validity issues we put forth and discuss methodological and epistemological concerns related to the use of social media data in audience studies