Description:
This book basically addresses ICT and connectedness in the context of rural community development. Of late, many authors put forward the capability of technology to provide a sense of connectedness that encompasses several facets including
a sense of belonging, sharing, and a feeling of being touched. Synchronous and
asynchronous communication media are primed to lead to a strong feeling of connectedness. Connectedness can be maintained and social networks can be accessed
across geographical boundaries between people who may never have met.
It is the author’s contention that ICT and connectedness may well be the topic
of research and graduate courses in the near future. Since ICT has progressed tremendously in form and impact, the process of defining and refining connectedness as one of the psychological constructs tagged to it is pertinent. Moreover, due
to its utilization in many contexts and fields, there exists substantial complexity,
inconsistency, and lack of clarity in the conceptualization of connectedness. Thus,
it is crucial that the term connectedness is defined within the context it is studied.
What does connectedness via ICT really mean?