The Complexities of the Role of Children in the Process of Technology Transmission Among Disadvantaged Families: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Authors

  • Teresa Correa Universidad Diego Portales
  • Isabel Pavez Universidad de los Andes, Chile
  • Javier Contreras Universidad Diego Portales, Chile

Keywords:

Internet, technology, children, family, socialization, proxy-user, mixed-methods, rural, Chile

Abstract

Using mixed methods that triangulated survey data with interviews and focus groups, this study explores the complexities of the process of technology transmission from children to parents in vulnerable contexts, such as rural communities in Chile. The findings suggest that among Internet users, about one-fourth learned from their children and a similar percentage relied on them to perform different tasks. Both the quantitative and qualitative results suggest that in many families, both processes are closely intertwined and are more likely to occur among people of a similar profile—women, older people, and less educated people. In addition, they are significantly associated with parents’ improved digital skills, but not with more online activities.

Author Biographies

Teresa Correa, Universidad Diego Portales

Associate Professor (PhD., University of Texas at Austin), School of Communication, Universidad  Diego Portales Santiago, Chile56-22-6762381

Isabel Pavez, Universidad de los Andes, Chile

Assistant Professor, School of Communication,

Javier Contreras, Universidad Diego Portales, Chile

Data Analyst, City of Peñalolén, Santiago, Chile

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Published

2019-03-14

Issue

Section

Articles