THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE OTHERS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF NON-USERS OF DIGITAL ARTIFACTS

This paper shows the difficulties in clinging to accepted understandings and concepts such as use or non-use of digital artefacts, due to misleading connotations. In line with the ambition to find concepts that better match the ways we currently live with digital artefacts, it is suggested that we should talk about various ways to relate to them, rather than talking about use or non-use. This opens up for a more nuanced understanding of people's varying decisions to incorporate the artefacts into their lives. The paper builds on a narrative inspired empirical study of what are commonly referred to as non-users, which are people who have decided not to invite digital artefacts into their lives. The study shows that it is difficult to discern definite decisions of use or non-use; it also demonstrates varying, intelligent and elaborate ways to relate to the artefacts. The ways that are explored via a trial-and-error-like-approach are based on people's specific needs, values and routines. This is an understanding of non-use and non-users that differs from earlier attempts to understand non-use of digital artefacts. The study contributes to a deeper understanding about the so-called non-users and their non-use of digital artefacts. It also contributes to an increased understanding about the methodological value in learning about people who restrict, control or even bar digital artefacts from their lives. Learning about these fairly different people and their decisions has a lot to offer when it comes to a deeper understanding about digital artefacts and their consequences for people in their everyday lives.