The role of ICTs in everyday mobile lives

Line, Tilly; Jain, Juliet; Lyons, Glenn

Abstract

Information and communications technologies (ICTs) are permeating modern lifestyles, shaping and colouring the undertaking of activities and travel. This article reports on a qualitative diary and interview study that explored the ways in which ICTs are being used by students aged 18-28 and part-time working mums. Study participants were selected on the basis of being 'informal experts' - reflecting their affinity for engagement with ICTs. Through an exploration of the interview findings, it becomes clear that relatively new technological devices and applications have quickly become embedded into the participants' everyday travel and communications. Changes in social practice at the level of the individuals are not visibly dramatic, but at the same time, there is evidence of a cumulative influence of ICTs on their daily lives. Technologies are enabling the participants to better accommodate the uncertainties in activity and travel scheduling and yet also contributing to a 'fluidity' in time-space co-ordination of activities. They are also allowing the juggling of life roles in time and space leading to apparent fragmenting of activities. The article reflects upon the travel behaviour consequences of ICTs in their influence on everyday life. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd.

Citation

Line, T., Jain, J., & Lyons, G. (2011). The role of ICTs in everyday mobile lives. Journal of Transport Geography, 19(6), 1490-1499. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2010.07.002

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Nov 1, 2011
• Deposit Date: Aug 27, 2010
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 11, 2016
• Journal: Journal of Transport Geography
• Print ISSN: 0966-6923
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 1490-1499
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2010.07.002
• Keywords: ICTs, social practice, travel behaviour, innovation
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/958071
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2010.07.002
• Additional Information: Additional Information : Published online before print 12 August 2010