Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
difference between the Internet and mobile tele-
phony as in many cases Internet users appear to
be more positive regarding mobile phones than
the Internet, even though they are Internet users
themselves. For instance, Eirini, a 32-year-old
single female accountant, implies that the Internet
is not as important for her as mobile phones:
Nevertheless, in attempting to problematise the
elite actors' claims about the technophobic and
traditional character of Greek society, the focus
group participants not only emphasised the role of
everyday culture and customs, but some of them
also pointed to phenomena such as a lack of educa-
tion and training, placing societal reaction to new
technologies on a logical basis and as not deriving
from society only. For instance, Internet users but
not great supporters of the Internet (e.g. Agapi and
Apostolos) questioned individual responsibility
and, although they admitted the existence of social
ignorance and inactivity, they emphasised the role
of the state and education especially in relation to
Internet penetration in the country:
Ok, I may be the exception; I love radio and the
TV, I use mobile technology…sometimes read
newspapers…but computer, Internet and other
new technologies are not that much in my life…I
mean, I use them whenever needed only…
Likewise, everyday culture and lifestyle in
Greece seem to explain the comparatively few
instances of people who do not use mobile tele-
phony. For instance, Maria, a 45-year-old married
housewife and mother of three, does not use the
Internet or mobile phones. To explain this decision
not to use mobile phones in particular, she points
to her daily routine, time schedule and hobbies.
Maria spends most of her time at home and mostly
watches TV, considering TV watching relaxing
and 'good company':
Agapi (35 yrs, female decorator, single, no chil-
dren): We all have so many things to deal with…I
don't know how we can be aware and keep up with
everything new that is coming up. Yes, there is a
lack of awareness that makes us inactive…but
who is responsible for this?
Stefanos (32 yrs, male investment analyst, single,
no children): Sorry Agapi, but why should we al-
ways expect everything to be offered to us? Aren't
we, as individuals, at all responsible? Besides,
if the authorities force us to keep up with new
technologies, a huge public reaction will occur.
Interviewer: Have you all got a mobile?
Maria: No, not me (hesitation)…you see, I stay
home most of the time to bring up my children. I
don't work, so don't need it….everyone can find me
on the landline…besides, it's expensive for me…
Apostolos (44 yrs, male civil servant, married, one
child): Stefanos, I don't agree with you. I mean,
how am I expected to use such technologies when
I haven't been taught anything about them?
Interviewer: So, do you use any other media?
Maria: Of course….my landline to contact rela-
tives and friends from time to time, and particularly
TV….it relaxes me…I'm tired by the end of the day
and TV gives me the chance to rest and relax...
Petros(19 yrs, male, military service, single, no
children): …but I see how negative my parents
are when I ask them to learn to use computers and
other gadgets… I'm giving them free training and
they do not take it (laughs).
(a few moments of silence)
Maria: …the TV is on most of the time…it's good
company…
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