ITR: The Effect of the Internet on Society: Incorporating Central Asia into the Global Perspective

University Of Washington, Seattle WA

Investigators

Abstract

This project explores how the Internet influences cultures and societies by examining how information technology affects life in Central Asia. Researching Central Asia allows the project to examine novice users' adoption patterns. In addition, the strength of personal information networks in Central Asia provides insight into how diverse communities adapt IT for their needs. The project advances understanding of how context affects the manner in which IT influences society. The project is a cross-domain longitudinal study with two primary components: (1) a five-year, cross-domain panel survey of users and nonusers that examines how the Internet is affecting existing cultural and social patterns; and (2) a qualitative longitudinal study that investigates how professionals in the education and health domains react to the growing presence of IT. The project asks such questions as: To what extent does the availability of Internet resources replace community-based information sources? How do people from different economic and geographic strata gain access to the Internet? Do potential users avoid getting online, or do users circumscribe their online activities because of government regulations or cultural prohibitions? This research will also allow diverse US communities to understand and overcome impediments to IT implementation.