Chapter 4. Social Impacts of Mobile Technologies for Children
Keystone or Invasive Species?
Christopher Hoadley
New York University, U.S.A.
This chapter describes the role of mobile technologies in children's technological ecologies. In particular, based on work in developing nations, I discuss ways in which technologies can be potentially disruptive to cultural, educational, or technological systems that children inhabit. A few cautionary tales illustrate how well-intentioned designs that function appropriately in some contexts are actually harmful or disruptive in others. Although design often considers the special needs of children or other audiences, it should equally consider context and interdependencies, especially working in areas where local ...

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