The Ideal Internet: Understanding the Internet of Children and Young People in India

Pillai, Siddharth, Thomas, Teemol and Subramanian, Uma (2020) The Ideal Internet: Understanding the Internet of Children and Young People in India. UNSPECIFIED.

Preview

PDF (ideal-internet-report-download) - Published Version Download (6MB) | Preview

Abstract

In 2019, we spoke to 155 children & young people across 6 Indian cities. While they came from diverse backgrounds, there was an attempt to focus on those who belonged to marginalized communities. We asked them about their relationship with technology & the internet. What it meant to belong to virtual spaces? How did everyday reality shape their online behavior? What made them feel unsafe? What made them feel good?… The accounts they gave were fascinating, delightful, absurd, inspiring, sometimes terrifying and always insightful. What emerged through their voices was a picture of online young Indian life that continues to be influenced by on-ground economic, social and personal forces. Where fault-lines of gender, class, caste & religion determine quality of (virtual) life and experience. Even as the past doesn’t give away easy, the report chronicles how children & young people used online spaces as a conduit to break away from it or negotiate with it. They felt enabled, but also confused, excited but also dulled, free but also lost. And even in midst of such diversity and paradox, almost all of them singularly believed that they could be better served by it. At this moment, we are actively building a world where internet & tech will become more ubiquitous. How do we ensure that of all possible futures, this is indeed going to one of those bright tomorrows for all children? And before others chime in, would be a fair first step to ask the children – “what is your idea of the ideal internet?”

Item Type:	Book
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Social Work
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	10 Oct 2024 16:30
Last Modified:	10 Oct 2024 16:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/96990
DOI:

Downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item