A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Digital relatedness: A longitudinal study on social resources and the use of smart technology
Authors: Latikka, Rita; Koivula, Aki; Bergdahl, Jenna; Oksanen, Atte
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
Publishing place: LONDON
Publication year: 2024
Journal: New Media and Society
Journal name in source: NEW MEDIA & SOCIETY
Journal acronym: NEW MEDIA SOC
Number of pages: 21
ISSN: 1461-4448
eISSN: 1461-7315
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448241295721(external)
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448241295721(external)
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/477188182(external)
The digital world is a vital place to connect with others. This study investigates individual differences in experiencing relatedness through new technologies, or "digital relatedness." The study is grounded in a novel framework that combines social and digital capital and self-determination theory perspectives. We used a three-wave survey conducted from 2021 to 2023 involving 1226 Finnish adults and applied random effects within-between models for data analysis. The results show positive within- and between-person effects of a preference for interacting with artificially intelligent systems (over humans) and the use of smart technology on digital relatedness as well as positive between-person effects of a sense of local community belonging. The positive effect of using smart technology was particularly evident for individuals with a lower or medium level of local community belonging. The results suggest that frequent technology use can enhance digital relatedness, especially for those less connected to their local community.
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |
Funding information in the publication:
This research received funding from the Kone Foundation (Urban utopias and dystopias: artificial intelligence in art and society [UrbanAI] project 2021–2024, Grant 202011325, PI: Atte Oksanen) and the Academy of Finland (INVEST Flagship, Grant 320162).