What Words Can’t Say: Emoji and other non-verbal elements of technologically-mediated communication
an article by Alexis M. Elder (University of Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota, USA) published in Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society Volume 16 Issue 1 (2018)
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to survey the moral psychology of emoji, time-restricted messaging and other non-verbal elements of nominally textual computer-mediated communication (CMC). These features are increasingly common in interpersonal communication. Effects on both individual well-being and quality of intimate relationships are assessed. Results of this assessment are used to support ethical conclusions about these elements of digital communication.
Design/methodology/approach
Assessment of these non-verbal elements of CMC is framed in light of relevant literature from a variety of fields, including neuroscience, behavioral economics and social psychology. The resulting ethical analysis is informed by both Aristotelian and Buddhist virtue ethics.
Findings
This paper finds that emoji and other nonverbal elements of CMC have positive potential for individual well-being and interpersonal communication. They can be used to focus and direct attention, express and acknowledge difficult emotions and increase altruistic tendencies.
Research limitations/implications
This paper is conceptual, extrapolating from existing literature to investigate possibilities rather than reporting on novel experiments. It is not intended to substitute for empirical research on use patterns and their effects. But by identifying positive potential, it can help both users and designers to support individual and relational well-being.
Practical implications
The positive effects identified here can be incorporated into both design and use strategies for CMC.
Social implications
Situating ethical analysis of these trending technologies within literature from the social sciences on the effects of stylized faces, disappearing messages and directed attention can help us both understand their appeal to users and best practices for using them to enrich our social lives.
Originality/value
The paper uses empirically informed moral psychology to understand a deceptively trivial-looking phenomenon with wide-ranging impacts on human psychology and relationships.
Acknowledgments
This paper has been adapted from a chapter from a forthcoming book Friendship, Robots, and Social Media: False Friends and Second Selves by Alexis Elder (Routledge, 2018).
I simply had to look up moral psychology. Wikipedia, which I find is usually accurate about scientific subjects, tells me that moral psychology is a field of study in both philosophy and psychology.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_psychology
Showing posts with label communication_technologies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label communication_technologies. Show all posts
Friday, 6 April 2018
Sunday, 29 October 2017
Differences in access to information and communication technologies: Voices of British Muslim teenage girls at Islamic faith schools
Glenn Hardaker and Atika Qazi (Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei), Aishah Sabki, (Beyond Labels Ltd, Huddersfield, UK) and Javed Iqbal, (Independent Researcher, London, UK) published in The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology Volume 34 Issue 4 (2017)
Abstract
Purpose
Most research on information and communication technologies (ICT) differences has been related to gender and ethnicity, and to a lesser extent religious affiliation. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to this field of research by situating the discussion in the context of British Muslims and extending current research into ICT differences beyond gender and ethnicity.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper explores the ICT differences in access and use by British Muslim teenage girls at Islamic faith schools, and ICTs’ perceived influence on learning. The qualitative research was undertaken by conducting 45 semi-structured interviews with British Muslim teenage girls in Islamic faith schools.
Findings
The study provides tentative findings that Islamic faith schools are not only framed by the wider diverse Muslim community, but also by the supplementary schooling of madrasahs. The findings suggest that the home use of ICTs was reinforced rather than compensated for by the Islamic faith schools. This seemed to inhibit many pupils’ access to online educational resources. The authors found that didactic instruction was prevalent and this provided tentative insights into the types of digital inequity experienced by many pupils.
Originality/value
The research into ICT differences in the UK adopted the premise that the unity in Muslim identity increasingly transcends ethnicity and gender in the Muslim community.
Abstract
Purpose
Most research on information and communication technologies (ICT) differences has been related to gender and ethnicity, and to a lesser extent religious affiliation. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to this field of research by situating the discussion in the context of British Muslims and extending current research into ICT differences beyond gender and ethnicity.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper explores the ICT differences in access and use by British Muslim teenage girls at Islamic faith schools, and ICTs’ perceived influence on learning. The qualitative research was undertaken by conducting 45 semi-structured interviews with British Muslim teenage girls in Islamic faith schools.
Findings
The study provides tentative findings that Islamic faith schools are not only framed by the wider diverse Muslim community, but also by the supplementary schooling of madrasahs. The findings suggest that the home use of ICTs was reinforced rather than compensated for by the Islamic faith schools. This seemed to inhibit many pupils’ access to online educational resources. The authors found that didactic instruction was prevalent and this provided tentative insights into the types of digital inequity experienced by many pupils.
Originality/value
The research into ICT differences in the UK adopted the premise that the unity in Muslim identity increasingly transcends ethnicity and gender in the Muslim community.
Monday, 11 June 2012
Information technology, an enabler in corporate governance
an article by Sherly Elizabeth Abraham, (PhD Student at the College of Computing and Information, University at Albany, State University of New York, USA) published in Corporate Governance Volume 12 Issue 3 (2012)
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand how information technology can be utilized as a driver of incentives in the decision-making process of corporate governance.
Design/methodology/approach
The existing theories in corporate governance are compared to understand the incentives offered to executives. Based on the analysis of the theories presented here, an incentive framework is proposed for corporate executives by utilizing the contributions of information technology.
Findings
It is found that find that the stakeholder perspective promotes a value-laden approach to corporate governance as opposed to other views that are unilateral. The study posits tapping in to the values and beliefs of corporate executives to produce viable and lasting results as opposed to monetary incentives. Information technology is proposed as an “enabler” in empowering executives towards promoting a stakeholder perspective.
Practical implications
The paper’s recommendations can be used by researchers, executives and board members to enhance corporate governance through information technology.
Originality/value
The originality of the work presented here is in analyzing the affordances of information technology to enhance decision-making in corporate governance. Information technology is proposed as an “enabler” in empowering executives and board members towards promoting a stakeholder perspective.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand how information technology can be utilized as a driver of incentives in the decision-making process of corporate governance.
Design/methodology/approach
The existing theories in corporate governance are compared to understand the incentives offered to executives. Based on the analysis of the theories presented here, an incentive framework is proposed for corporate executives by utilizing the contributions of information technology.
Findings
It is found that find that the stakeholder perspective promotes a value-laden approach to corporate governance as opposed to other views that are unilateral. The study posits tapping in to the values and beliefs of corporate executives to produce viable and lasting results as opposed to monetary incentives. Information technology is proposed as an “enabler” in empowering executives towards promoting a stakeholder perspective.
Practical implications
The paper’s recommendations can be used by researchers, executives and board members to enhance corporate governance through information technology.
Originality/value
The originality of the work presented here is in analyzing the affordances of information technology to enhance decision-making in corporate governance. Information technology is proposed as an “enabler” in empowering executives and board members towards promoting a stakeholder perspective.
Monday, 21 May 2012
Gender issues in information and communication technologies (ICTs)
an article by Wieslaw Oleksy, Edyta Just and Kaja Zapedowska-Kling (University of Lodz, Poland) published in Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society Volume 10 Issue 2 (2012)
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present some of the findings (which were reported on more extensively in earlier work) regarding the visibility of gender issues in the literature on selected information and communication technologies (ICTs) with a view to make predictions about potential ethical issues that the application of these ICTs may bring about in the future. This paper is part of the larger research project called ETICA (Ethical Issues of Emerging Information and Communication Technologies), a collaborative project funded by the 7th Framework Programme of the European Union.
Design/methodology/approach
On the basis of the analysis of around 100 published sources, which dealt with various aspects of selected ICTs, conclusions have been drawn regarding gender issues and concerns that the applications of these ICTs may cause. The authors' analysis is theoretically informed by critical discourse analysis (CDA) which assumes that texts, both written and spoken, as well as other forms of symbolic representations, are indicative of social practices. Of particular methodological relevance was the survey of methods of text and discourse analysis presented in Titscher et al. and especially the application of keyword search as a way to measure the prominence of each investigated method. This approach to literature surveying proved very useful in selecting analytic material: only those published sources on the selected four ICTs have been included in the survey, for which the analysis of keywords, abstracts and indexes of terms indicated authors' interest in gender issues.
Findings
First, ICTs such as affective computing, ambient intelligence, and artificial intelligence, have been found to have the potential of positively affecting gender power relations and thus positively affecting gender balance in the areas of labour market related to ICT across EU countries and worldwide. Second, more research on the relationship between gender and ICT design, application and representation is needed, so as to enhance a better understanding of ethical issues resulting from unequal participation of women and men in all aspects of ICT production and implementation, which in itself is an ethical dilemma with which both the ICT business and legislators have to grapple.
Originality/value
The paper offers insight into the relationship between the level of attention devoted to particular ICTs by ICT researchers, as evidenced in the reviewed literature, and the likelihood of the application of a particular ICT in the future, which is looked at and assessed from a gender perspective.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present some of the findings (which were reported on more extensively in earlier work) regarding the visibility of gender issues in the literature on selected information and communication technologies (ICTs) with a view to make predictions about potential ethical issues that the application of these ICTs may bring about in the future. This paper is part of the larger research project called ETICA (Ethical Issues of Emerging Information and Communication Technologies), a collaborative project funded by the 7th Framework Programme of the European Union.
Design/methodology/approach
On the basis of the analysis of around 100 published sources, which dealt with various aspects of selected ICTs, conclusions have been drawn regarding gender issues and concerns that the applications of these ICTs may cause. The authors' analysis is theoretically informed by critical discourse analysis (CDA) which assumes that texts, both written and spoken, as well as other forms of symbolic representations, are indicative of social practices. Of particular methodological relevance was the survey of methods of text and discourse analysis presented in Titscher et al. and especially the application of keyword search as a way to measure the prominence of each investigated method. This approach to literature surveying proved very useful in selecting analytic material: only those published sources on the selected four ICTs have been included in the survey, for which the analysis of keywords, abstracts and indexes of terms indicated authors' interest in gender issues.
Findings
First, ICTs such as affective computing, ambient intelligence, and artificial intelligence, have been found to have the potential of positively affecting gender power relations and thus positively affecting gender balance in the areas of labour market related to ICT across EU countries and worldwide. Second, more research on the relationship between gender and ICT design, application and representation is needed, so as to enhance a better understanding of ethical issues resulting from unequal participation of women and men in all aspects of ICT production and implementation, which in itself is an ethical dilemma with which both the ICT business and legislators have to grapple.
Originality/value
The paper offers insight into the relationship between the level of attention devoted to particular ICTs by ICT researchers, as evidenced in the reviewed literature, and the likelihood of the application of a particular ICT in the future, which is looked at and assessed from a gender perspective.
Thursday, 5 January 2012
The contribution of information technology to call center productivity: ...
An organizational design analysis
an article by Frantz Rowe ((LEMNA) and SKEMA Business School, University of Nantes, France), Rolande Marciniak (University of Paris Ouest Nanterre (IDHE), France) and Cécile Clergeau (University of Angers (GRANEM), France) published in Information Technology & People Volume 24 Issue 4 (2011)
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to offer a strategic and socio technical analysis of the productivity of telephone call centers from the perspective of Galbraith's organizational design theory.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on a quantitative survey of 155 call center managers in France, which benefited from extensive preparation through ten case studies.
Findings
When focusing the analysis on call centers handling only inbound calls, five main factors: the profile of the telephone operators, division of labor, goals, reward system and the technology – including automated call distribution, computer telephony integration and e-mail – are found to be important productivity enhancers.
Research limitations/implications
Perceptual measures when used are based on single items.
Practical implications
The findings confirm the paramount impact of human resources’ profile on the efficiency of call centers. As expected, automated call distribution is above all a productivity tool and should be recommended to all call centers.
Social implications
Division of labor is important but, beyond a personal relationship with each customer, work in call centers has a collective component, which is best reflected by the efficiency of collective rewards.
Originality/value
The paper provides an evaluation method of call center productivity based on a first literature review on call centers from an IS perspective. It adapts Galbraith’s organizational design theory and shows that for inbound call centers, which can be considered as a group of domains or set of tasks in Galbraith’s organizational design theory, people, structure, goals assigned, rewards and IT all have an impact on productivity measured with the rate of efficiency.
an article by Frantz Rowe ((LEMNA) and SKEMA Business School, University of Nantes, France), Rolande Marciniak (University of Paris Ouest Nanterre (IDHE), France) and Cécile Clergeau (University of Angers (GRANEM), France) published in Information Technology & People Volume 24 Issue 4 (2011)
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to offer a strategic and socio technical analysis of the productivity of telephone call centers from the perspective of Galbraith's organizational design theory.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on a quantitative survey of 155 call center managers in France, which benefited from extensive preparation through ten case studies.
Findings
When focusing the analysis on call centers handling only inbound calls, five main factors: the profile of the telephone operators, division of labor, goals, reward system and the technology – including automated call distribution, computer telephony integration and e-mail – are found to be important productivity enhancers.
Research limitations/implications
Perceptual measures when used are based on single items.
Practical implications
The findings confirm the paramount impact of human resources’ profile on the efficiency of call centers. As expected, automated call distribution is above all a productivity tool and should be recommended to all call centers.
Social implications
Division of labor is important but, beyond a personal relationship with each customer, work in call centers has a collective component, which is best reflected by the efficiency of collective rewards.
Originality/value
The paper provides an evaluation method of call center productivity based on a first literature review on call centers from an IS perspective. It adapts Galbraith’s organizational design theory and shows that for inbound call centers, which can be considered as a group of domains or set of tasks in Galbraith’s organizational design theory, people, structure, goals assigned, rewards and IT all have an impact on productivity measured with the rate of efficiency.
Monday, 17 October 2011
IT for a better future: how to integrate ethics, politics and innovation
an article by Bernd Carsten Stahl, (De Montfort University) published in Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society Volume 9 Issue 3
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to explore future and emerging information and communication technologies. It gives a general overview of the social consequences and ethical issues arising from technologies that can currently be reasonably expected. This overview is used to present recommendations and integrate these in a framework of responsible innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
The identification of emerging ICTs and their ethical consequences is based on the review and analysis if several different bodies of literature. The individual features of the ICTs and the ethical issues identified this way are then aggregated and analysed.
Findings
The paper outlines the 11 ICTs identified. Some of the shared features that are likely to have social relevance include an increase in natural interaction, the invisibility of technology, direct links between humans and technology, detailed models and data of humans and an increasing autonomy of technology that may lead to power over the user. Ethical issues include several current topics such as privacy, data protection, intellectual property and digital divides. New problems may include changes to the way humans are perceived and the role of humans and technology in society. This includes changing power structures and different ways of treating humans.
Research limitations/implications
The paper presents a piece of foresight research which cannot claim exact knowledge of the future. However, by developing a detailed understanding of possible futures it provides an important basis for current decisions relating to future technology development and governance.
Practical implications
The paper spells out a range of recommendations for both policy makers and researchers/industry. These refer to the framework within which technology is developed and how such a framework could be designed to allow the development of ethical reflexivity.
Social implications
The work described here is likely to influence EU policy on ICT research and technology research and innovation more broadly. This may have implications for the type of technologies funded and broad implications for the social use of emerging technologies.
Originality/value
The paper presents a novel and important broad view of the future of ICTs that is required in order to inform current policy decisions.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to explore future and emerging information and communication technologies. It gives a general overview of the social consequences and ethical issues arising from technologies that can currently be reasonably expected. This overview is used to present recommendations and integrate these in a framework of responsible innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
The identification of emerging ICTs and their ethical consequences is based on the review and analysis if several different bodies of literature. The individual features of the ICTs and the ethical issues identified this way are then aggregated and analysed.
Findings
The paper outlines the 11 ICTs identified. Some of the shared features that are likely to have social relevance include an increase in natural interaction, the invisibility of technology, direct links between humans and technology, detailed models and data of humans and an increasing autonomy of technology that may lead to power over the user. Ethical issues include several current topics such as privacy, data protection, intellectual property and digital divides. New problems may include changes to the way humans are perceived and the role of humans and technology in society. This includes changing power structures and different ways of treating humans.
Research limitations/implications
The paper presents a piece of foresight research which cannot claim exact knowledge of the future. However, by developing a detailed understanding of possible futures it provides an important basis for current decisions relating to future technology development and governance.
Practical implications
The paper spells out a range of recommendations for both policy makers and researchers/industry. These refer to the framework within which technology is developed and how such a framework could be designed to allow the development of ethical reflexivity.
Social implications
The work described here is likely to influence EU policy on ICT research and technology research and innovation more broadly. This may have implications for the type of technologies funded and broad implications for the social use of emerging technologies.
Originality/value
The paper presents a novel and important broad view of the future of ICTs that is required in order to inform current policy decisions.
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
Virtually there, almost: ...
educational and informational possibilities in virtual worlds
an article by Peter Edward Sidorko in Library Management Volume 30 Numbers 6-7
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to analyse the educational and more specifically, the library and information opportunities afforded through virtual worlds such as Second Life.
Design/methodology/approach
The article provides an analysis of virtual world opportunities through a review of relevant literature as well as actual applications of virtual world platforms.
Findings
Virtual worlds have the potential to provide a rich learning and information environment. Despite what many see as limitations, virtual worlds can enhance the learning experience if problematic issues are addressed and if expectations are realistic. For libraries, a unique set of limitations are identified.
Research limitations/implications
The limited availability of library presences in virtual worlds prohibits a full scale analysis of the success or otherwise of such projects. Future analyses of virtual worlds, in particular Second Life, will be useful if their pervasiveness increases.
Practical implications
Library managers are alerted to issues and problems surrounding an investment in virtual worlds.
Originality/value
This paper will prove useful to educators and librarians considering investing time and other resources in developing content in virtual worlds.
an article by Peter Edward Sidorko in Library Management Volume 30 Numbers 6-7
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to analyse the educational and more specifically, the library and information opportunities afforded through virtual worlds such as Second Life.
Design/methodology/approach
The article provides an analysis of virtual world opportunities through a review of relevant literature as well as actual applications of virtual world platforms.
Findings
Virtual worlds have the potential to provide a rich learning and information environment. Despite what many see as limitations, virtual worlds can enhance the learning experience if problematic issues are addressed and if expectations are realistic. For libraries, a unique set of limitations are identified.
Research limitations/implications
The limited availability of library presences in virtual worlds prohibits a full scale analysis of the success or otherwise of such projects. Future analyses of virtual worlds, in particular Second Life, will be useful if their pervasiveness increases.
Practical implications
Library managers are alerted to issues and problems surrounding an investment in virtual worlds.
Originality/value
This paper will prove useful to educators and librarians considering investing time and other resources in developing content in virtual worlds.
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