VIRTUAL MOBILITY, TIME USE AND THE PLACE OF THE HOME

Bertil Vilhelmson and Eva Thulin

Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, 2008, vol. 99, issue 5, 602-618

Abstract: The virtual access offered by information and communications technology (ICT) has entered homes to an unprecedented degree – with disputed socio–spatial consequences. This paper explores whether people's use of time and space has changed with increasing access to ICT, and it considers the role of the home and the displacement of mobile and stationary activities. Data from the Swedish Time Use Surveys for 1990–1991 and 2000–2001 reveal structural tendencies, while a panel study of urban youth details ongoing change processes. Findings indicate that from 1991 to 2001, the Swedish population spent over 80 per cent more time on virtual mobility; physical travel and media consumption also increased, albeit slightly. The total time spent at home remained stable, though certain groups, young men particularly, significantly increased both time spent at home and ICT use. The panel study found that individuals who substantially increased in‐home computer use spent more time alone at home and less time socialising; they also spent less time travelling and watching television. The amount of ICT use adapted to the available free time.

Date: 2008
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