Social Studies of Domestic Information and Communication Technologies

In the twentieth century, new information technology has the potential to influence the lives of ordinary citizens as much as it has influenced business, education, and government. The majority of individuals and households are using personal computers, the Internet, and mobile telephones. This book is about the potential effect of these new technologies, as they enter our homes and our daily lives, to change the range of activities we pursue, the way we perform old activities, our relationships with other people, and our personal and economic welfare. This chapter introduces the main themes of the book, describing the social impact of the new technologies, personal welfare outcomes, and the theoretical framework for understanding the social impact of technology.