Mobile technologies in everyday life of Belarusians: generational differences

Abstract

The paper presents the results of research on the nature and extent of the impact of mobile technologies on the everyday life of Belarusians. The authors show the level of introduction of mobile technologies into daily life, generational differences in their use. The article proves that in studying the introduction of mobile technologies into life, it is important not only to identify the economic effect of this implementation, but also to analyse the impact of these technologies on changing the forms of social practices, daily rhythms, and the way of life of Belarusians of different ages. Interpretation of the results of social research allows us to conclude that the majority of Belarusians follow the latest gadgets and devices. The most popular devices are mobile phones. Mobile technologies infiltrate into the daily life of Belarusians, with their help a significant number of typical practical actions are carried out. Belarusians of middle age, both according to their own assessment and according to the assessment of young people, quite quickly overcome the psychological barrier in using new devices. All respondents are emotionally attached to mobile devices and mobile applications and can no longer imagine their life without them. Belarusians of both generations positively assess the infiltration of mobile technologies into their lives, noting that using them gives the potential for self-realisation and makes life more comfortable. They see a number of risks that mobile technologies bring to everyday life, but project these risks onto representatives of other generations. For themselves, the risks are assessed by the respondents as related not to technologies as such, but to the degree of familiarity with these technologies and the presence or absence of self-regulation skills and conscious management of one’s life.