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’

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

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Analogue switch-off vs digital switch-on: rethinking policy strategies in the digital television era

In the last few decades, the traditional television landscape has come under pressure and the diffusion of digital television (DTV) services emerged as a hot issue. Especially for policy makers, access to DTV is considered a key element in the further development of the information society. Facilitating equal access for all to the new possibilities offered by digital television should be the central objective. In this context, policy makers are confronted with various challenges: How can they facilitate a smooth transition from analogue to digital terrestrial television? How should they handle digital dividend issues? In dealing with these topics, this article stresses the importance of a user-oriented approach