Connecting with the absent presence: pervasive technology use and effects on community

ABSTRACT

This research investigates how the pervasive use of technology by an individual in the physical presence of group members affects community level. When technology use occurs, the individual can become an absent presence to the group-removing themselves from the context of shared group behaviors to become involved in a virtual world that is not available to those around them. Depending on group norms, this individual use of technology signals a particular social message and has implications for how the group interacts. Community is used as the measure of interest because of its relationship with other variables such as social trust, decision-making ability, and learning.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.0 General

Keywords:
absent presence, community level, pervasive technology