New paper on adaptation of “smart phones” among Danish youth

Troels Fibæk Bertel and I presented our paper “From SMS to SNS: The Use of the Internet on the Mobile Phone among Young Danes” at the NordMedia conference in August. The focus of the paper is on the adaptation and use of the internet on mobile phones among young Danes. The analysis builds on qualitative and quantitative data from a pilot study conducted among students at the IT University of Copenhagen in spring 2011. The findings from this analysis are discussed theoretically and compared to other studies, mainly the Mobile Media, Mobile Youth study from spring 2011. The starting point is that the spread and frequency of the use of the internet on mobile phones has increased rapidly and over a short time primarily along with the adaptation of smartphones. We find that the main argument for using the internet on the mobile phone is that it is possible, easy and convenient with the proper handset and subscription. The main arguments for not using the internet on the mobile phone are that it is not possible due to handset or subscription limitations, that it is too cumbersome to be practical or too expensive to be worth it. Altogether we conclude that we are studying a phenomenon in the making with changing patterns and perceptions of use, and that further studies are needed in this area. Find a link here to the paper or look under under “publications”.

 

To blog or not to blog – that is the question …

Some time ago I decided that a minímum ambition would be to upload at least one blogpost – per week. And that it should be research related / professionally significant. But guess what – I haven’t posted anything since Eastern. And it isn’t because nothing interesting takes place in relation to my research and teaching and head of studyline positions. Or that I do not go to very interesting conferences. Or have good discussions about interesting topics related to my work. Or find interesting new articles and books I ought to share. But rather the opposite: too much interesting is going on and I don’t seem to find the time or motivation to post something – because there is always one more email to reply to, one more task waiting, one more meeting to go to. Or one or more of my adult kids coming by for a chat, a meal, some family time (or professional time since they have chosen closely related studies) …

On the same occasion – a long time ago – I decided that I would post one daily comment  on Twitter – as an experiment in order to follow what happens when you post something on specific topics. But same story: too many other tasks to take care of and too little motivation. So, in consequence the major part of my advanced digital media use is related to research. I wonder a lot how some of the most brillant and brainy scholars I know manage to update, post, tweet etc neverendingly – on Facebook, blogs, Twitter etc – and they are also those who invite you to join their network on Twitter or to try out google+. And quite often they actually have something to say – while I find it difficult to find the time to read just a fraction of all the posts and updates. Perhaps it is because I like silence – in more than one way. Or waiting in lines – studying co-liners. Or slow-cooking. Sitting on my balcony an early sunny morning enjoying the beauty – and beautifuls scent – of my roses, lavender, nerium, and herbs and spices. I don’t necessarily find this is a better way to spend ones time and I do love digital updates and communication of all kinds. But, observation and contemplation works for me.

Brainwork in theory and practice

Easter holidays are almost there and I intend to enjoy them immensely. The promise of sun and blue skies are great and can make anyone really happy about having a few days off. But that’s just adding to the joy: even if I still have some work related things to do I intend to spent most of the time by cooking lots of great food for my lovely and growing family (not adding babies but boy- and girlfriends …). And I intend to clean my 6 m2 balcony and plant lots of roses, gardenia, oleanders, tomatoes, chiliplants, and herbs.

I have been wondering why I since I was just a big kid have loved cooking and experimenting in the kitchen so much and why I enjoy immensely to make everything grow and bloom on my balcony? It is quite different from being immersed in “the digital world” – the great banner at the IT University says welcome to the digital world … And it is quite different from theoretical thinking, scientific writing, research etc. Or reading detective novels “en mass” – the more complex the better. But the difference may in fact be the explanation. Cooking and gardening provides results quite immediately. Even making rye bread with sour dough over two days seems to be quite result oriented. But actually cooking large meals for lots of people – or just experimenting in the kitchen on an everyday basis – and planning and taking care of plants also requires some planning and some overview. All in all, being able to combine the best of two worlds – working as a researcher and teacher at a fine university with excellent colleagues AND being able to relax while cooking and “gardening” is good. And flavors and aromas and tastes come in many versions …

Research Retreat

I am enjoying a research retreat for a week – much needed after a hectic fall plus a flu that knocked out all energy of me over New Year. I’ll enjoy every minute and spend time with my laptop in coffee bars, work through the night without thinking of meetings next day, sit in my chair and think for hours without interruption. Even read (academic) books (not just browsing papers) … This should be a kind of human right for researchers.

Status on day 3: very productive stay (away)

searching for “stald”

I am slow – very slow. For some reason I couldn’t remember the name of my own blog and searched wordpress for matches with “stald” … and up came a number of posts/blogs which referred to an article I wrote in 2007/8 – Mobile Identity. It looked as if a whole highschool class had had an assignment where they should summarize the main points and discuss them. I read some of them and was very inspired to reply and start a dialogue with these apparently very young people. And then noticed that the were posted in 2008 … a bit late for a reply these days ….

Day off in the city

Sitting at my desk at the window, looking at the activities on Østerbrogade – lots of Soccer fans singing/shouting beerimpacted tunes before the big match in “Parken” stadium across the street. Living just above the FCK regular pub (inhabited by other FC supporters today) gives me a seat in the first row. And just a minute ago 20 police patrols raced by with blue lights and sirens – apparently on their way to a demonstration at the Iranian Embassy (thanks, online news). Across the street lots of people are watching the activities over late lunch and latte at cafe Kapers. The flower shop next to the cafe is clearly selling a lot. Pizzerias and bakeries seem to provide dinner and treats for a large number of Østerbro citizens, judged by the number of cartons and bags that are carried past my outlook post here. Day off in the city. Staying inside trying to recover from this stupid virus provide new kinds of experience. Kind of looking forward to sit here in 40 years time with a window mirror, a cup of coffee and some kind of digital or whatever the future brings communication device

THE MEDIUM IS THE MESSAGE

Facebook survey Klastrup & Stald 181209

Facebook survey Klastrup & Stald 181209