Research Talk with Barry Wellman

Come hear Barry Wellman's talk on The Networked Individual Question in the Digital Era: How do Individuals Connect at Different Stages of the Life Course?

Barry Wellman, Distinguished Visiting Scholar | NetLab Network | Ryerson University

Although there has been much discussion about "networked individualism" (4,760 cites), there has been little evaluation since Wellman first proposed the concept in 2001. Meanwhile the populace has become even more networked – as the internet and mobile devices supplement in-person, landline, and postal means for connectivity. As part of the fourth East York study, we use in-depth interviews with 101 Torontorians to understand how digital media affects social connectivity and social support for people at different stages in the life-course. Are they Networked Individuals, Bounded in Traditional Groups, or Socially Limited? While all but the Limited rely on digital media, we are surprised that only one-third were Networked Individuals, with an even lower percentage among older adults.

Co-Authors:

Anabel Quan-Haase, Western University

Molly-Gloria Harper, Western University

Renwen Alice Zhang, Northwestern University

Helen Hua Wang, University of Buffalo

Event Flyer