Use of information and communication technology among street drifters in Los Angeles

Xinning Gui, Julien Forbat, Bonnie Nardi, Dan Stokols

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

We report a qualitative study of ICT (information and communication technology) use among a group of homeless people on Skid Row, Los Angeles. Participants in our ethnographic study frequently used mobile phones and computers, but not for the purposes documented in other studies such as managing friendships, enlisting family support, finding housing, and seeking employment. They were instead seeking respite to escape their stressful daily lives. We argue that urban communities should adopt a multi-agency approach and provide support centers offering homeless people access to computers and Wi-Fi. Increased access to ICT would both facilitate homeless people's capability to cope with their difficult environment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number6813
JournalFirst Monday
Volume21
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Law

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