Smartphones and Location Awareness in Brazil: Users’ Reactions

Authors

  • Ana Maria Nicolaci-da-Costa Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro
  • Mariana Santiago de Matos-Silva Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-43272457201414

Abstract

The general objective of this study was to gain detailed information on how Brazilians are using the many features of their smartphones according to their own accounts. Among these features, of particular interest were the ways in which they react to and deal with the novelty presented by location awareness, especially in LBSN applications. A qualitative research guided by the Underlying Discourse Unveiling Method (UDUM) was carried out. Fifteen knowledgeable users of digital technologies aged between 23 and 38 were recruited in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Open-ended-question interviews were conducted with each. Results revealed that location-sharing reinforced their pre-existing fears related to violence and criminality. They knew that criminals may have access to these technologies. Therefore, in order to protect their personal safety most participants avoided location-disclosure. The fears mentioned by them are embedded in the violent context they live in.

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Published

2014-04-01

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Smartphones and Location Awareness in Brazil: Users’ Reactions . (2014). Paidéia (Ribeirão Preto), 24(57), 115-123. https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-43272457201414