(Re)Negotiating Homeless Identity through Technology-Mediated Social Interaction

Byron Keating, Dale MACKRELL, John CAMPBELL

Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in BookConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Prior research has explored homelessness and barriers to accessing digital technology. Our study will build on this evidence base by moving beyond a discussion of what technology is used, to better understand how these technologies are used, and the content and nature of communicative practices within homeless communities. This will be done by drawing together two important streams of homelessness research. The first stream focuses on the importance of connectedness for homeless persons. The second stream concentrates on the importance of identity for homeless persons, recognizing the negative impact of homelessness on an individual's self-concept. Through the lens of boundary objects theory, technology-mediated social interaction will be viewed as providing a safe environment where homeless persons and service providers can develop mutual respect. The insights gathered will inform future interventions that aim to facilitate better social interaction among homeless persons, non-homeless persons, and the formal institutions supporting the homeless.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe 36th International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS 2015) : Proceedings
Subtitle of host publicationExploring the Information Frontier, ICIS 2015
EditorsDorothy Leidner, Jeanne Ross
Place of PublicationUnited States
PublisherAssociation for Information Systems
Pages1-8
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9780996683111
Publication statusPublished - 2015
EventInternational Conference on Information Systems (ICIS 2015) - Texas, Texas, United States
Duration: 13 Dec 201516 Dec 2015

Publication series

Name2015 International Conference on Information Systems: Exploring the Information Frontier, ICIS 2015

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on Information Systems (ICIS 2015)
Abbreviated titleICIS 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityTexas
Period13/12/1516/12/15

Cite this