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12 February 2006
I've spent this last week working on a paper with Kakuko Miyata and Barry Wellman. The paper uses longitudinal survey data collected in Japan to understand the causal relationship between the use of keitai (internet enabled mobile phones) and the reception of social support. This is one of the first opportunities that I've had to write a paper based on longitudinal data, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the experience. In addition to providing me with an understanding of the causal relationship between the technology and social behavior, the data is also allowing me to chart the adoption of a new technology, as it has become integrated into lives a general public. This experience has made me wonder about the extent to which the adoption of keitai is the result of a social network structure that is more prevalent in Japan than in countries. My hope is that more longitudinal studies of this nature will be conducted in different countries, so that I might someday better understand the extent to which adoption patterns are the result of differences in network structure, vs. other factors, such as culture, marketing, or investment in technological infrastructure.
Posted by Jeff Boase at February 12, 2006 8:30 PM
In what ways do you think that the social network structure is different in Japan that would lend itself to the diffusion of keitai?
Posted by: David Lazer at February 12, 2006 9:24 PM
I haven't researched this thoroughly, but it is possible strong ties play a greater role in Japanese social life than other countries.
Posted by: Jeff Boase at February 12, 2006 9:52 PM