In a New Land: Mobile Phones, Amplified Pressures and Reduced Capabilities

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Abstract

Framed within the theoretical lens of positive and negative security, this paper presents a study of newcomers to Sweden and the roles of mobile phones in the establishment of a new life. Using creative engagement methods through a series of workshops, two researchers engaged 70 adult participants enrolled into further education colleges in Sweden. Group narratives about mobile phone use were captured in creative outputs, researcher observations and notes and were analysed using thematic analysis. Key findings show that the mobile phone offers a safe space for the individual security of newcomers to establish a new life in a new land as well as capitalising on other spaces of safety, such as maintaining old ties. This usage produces a series of threats and vulnerabilities beyond traditional technological security thinking related to mobile phone use. The paper concludes with recommendations for policies and support strategies for those working with newcomers.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCHI '18
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the 2018 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
PublisherACM
Pages1-13
Number of pages13
ISBN (Print)978-1-4503-5620-6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2018

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