O sentido de lugar e as tecnologias da informação e tecnologias da informação e comunicação: um estudo qualitativo com alunos da Rocinha

Abstract

This research assumes that the concepcion or construction of the sense of place is

closely linked to identity formation of individuals, defining the nature of the relations

between them and the world around them. The research theme is established from the

fact that the traditional forms of relationship between young people with the world

(family, friends, neighborhood and school) can be transformed by information

technology and communication (ICT), as a computer with Internet access and cell

phones or smartphones, which extend the range of relationships with people from other

spaces, other places and other cultures. Questioned, therefore, how these mediators

elements may interfere in identity construction in the young sense, attached to the place

where they live. We investigated how students in a class of ninth grade at a elementary

public school in Rio de Janeiro city, composed of community residents of Rocinha,

build a sense of place with the mediation of information technologies and

communication. The methodology used in this study was qualitative, ethnographic

approach with a bias participant, collaborative and visual. Was employed as instruments

for data collection questionnaires, visual production activities (digital photographs) and

individual interviews. Results indicated that the information and communication

technologies are part of the concrete world of the young men who live in Rocinha. All

study participants had cell phones and home computers with Internet access, often

browsing on websites and social networks. As for the virtual environment, it was noted

that there is a continuum in which the social networks, in all cases, mediated relations of

youth with circles that were already entered in person. In social networks, and also

showing your photos and videos, teens exchanged ideas and shared feelings and values,

creating a cultural universe that expanded relationships face-to-face. It is argued that the

technologies of communication and information work in the identity formation of youth

as spaces constituting the construction of sense of place. Thus, the technologies are not

opposed, but are added to traditional forms of relationship between young people lived

space.