Research Ann DeSmet

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have become indispensable in our work, school, and family environments. Despite benefits, recent research points at risks following from being 'permanently connected'. Scholars and practitioners increasingly suggest 'digital disconnection' as a solution: By placing (temporary) limits on ict usage, people might reclaim control over productivity, social relationships, and well-being. While the industry is responding rapidly to the growing demand for digital disconnection, research on its effectiveness is remarkably scarce. Moreover, evidence shows mixed results, underscoring our lacking knowledge of which disconnection practices work, why, for whom and when. Thus, this project develops and empirically validates a digital disconnection theory - suitable for work, school, and family contexts. It addresses (a) what people do to disconnect (content-'how'), (b) why people disconnect (process-'why'), and (c) for whom (person-'who') and (d) under which conditions disconnection works (context-'when'). Model development occurs via a thorough literature review within the different research streams investigating digital (dis)connection. An innovative interview study refines the model by identifying commonalities and differences in digital disconnection strategies, the needs they address, and obstacles experienced across contexts. Next, drawing from a 'best fit' idea, an intensive longitudinal study tests whether digital disconnection is more successful when chosen strategies ('how') (1) are adequate and proportional to why individuals wish to disconnect ('how-why' fit), (2) align with their personal characteristics ('how-person' fit), and (3) conform to what their environment demands/encourages ('howenvironment' fit). Finally, we validate core findings with four field experiments. Findings aid stakeholders to support individuals in families, schools, and organizations in developing a healthier relationship with technology.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandebosch Heidi
• Co-promoter: DeSmet Ann
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project is geared towards discovering and developing new applications of state-of-the-art psychophysiological sensor technologies (using computational and AI techniques) to help people with different needs work, learn and play in our modern society, ensuring that this tracking is meaningfully and responsibly applied. To accomplish this, our consortium is suitably interdisciplinary. This undertaking requires well-controlled lab studies and (near-)continuous psychophysiological tracking in real-life settings 'in the wild'. The research infrastructure applied for enables flexible movement from lab explorations of promising markers to checking their robustness in realistic, ecological contexts, and back again.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Gijbels David
• Co-promoter: Daelemans Walter
• Co-promoter: DeSmet Ann
• Co-promoter: Jankowska Anna
• Co-promoter: Latré Steven
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Vaes Kristof
• Co-promoter: Van de Cruys Sander
• Co-promoter: Van den Bossche Piet
• Co-promoter: Van Waes Luuk

Research team(s)

• EduBROn

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This study includes a validation of a monitoring instrument to measure support for climate transition in the Flemish population, which ran from July 2022 to March 2023. In this phase, a questionnaire was drawn up based on the theoretical model and the core concepts that were defined in phase 1 (conceptual phase) of this project. This was carried out in a (non-representative) convenience sample (i.e. distributing the questionnaire via the personal networks of the researchers involved), organic and sponsored advertisements via the social media channels of the University of Antwerp and the online data collection platform Prolific in the Flemish adult population ( 18+). A total of 1090 usable responses were collected. Of those responses, 1050 participants completed the questionnaire up to and including the behavioral questions (namely up to and including questions about transport for distances greater than 5 km). The questionnaire included: 1) demographic data such as gender, age, education level, work situation, family composition, financial capacity, and living environment; 2) distal variables: values and attitudes, risk perception, concern, acceptance of government measures, confidence in the government's climate strategy, attitude towards government communication regarding the climate strategy, external locus of control and collective effectiveness, perceived responsibility and knowledge; and 3) 9 different behaviors and behavioral intentions, including setting the heating to max. 19°C, contributing to green energy through solar panels, energetic renovation, use of alternative heating technology, sustainable surface water drainage solutions, vegetarian diet (main meal), vegan diet (main meal), alternative transport (< 5 km), alternative transport (> 5 km); and 4) proximal variables inspired by self-determination theory, theory of planned behavior and the HAPA model. Based on the results, the questionnaire was adjusted for data collection in a next phase that will take place in a representative sample.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: DeSmet Ann

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project