Office of Research Services (ORS)

Research Chairs: Catherine Middleton

Canada Research Chair in Communication Technologies in the Information Society

Ryerson University
Tier 2
Social Sciences and Humanities

(416) 979-5000 ext. 7923
cmiddlet@ryerson.ca

Website
http://www.ryerson.ca/~cmiddlet

Research involves
Understanding how Canadians use the Internet and mobile communication technology-and why so many are still not online.

Research relevance
Understanding what happens when some people lack access to the online world, when others cannot remove themselves from it, and what strategies can effectively deal with both problems.

The True North Strong and Wired
For most of us, going online is as normal as picking up the telephone or turning on the TV. As regular internet users, we'd be surprised to learn that nearly three out of every ten Canadians still lack internet access at home. More than just being perceived as out of touch, increasingly, these non-users are also out of luck: missing job postings, health advice, educational resources and countless other services now online.

But even their situation is sometimes better than those with the reverse problem-those for whom the Internet means being on call from sunup to sundown, and sometimes through the night, too.

So why do some people never go online, while others can't get off? That's what Canada Research Chair in Communication Technologies in the Information Society, Dr. Catherine Middleton, is working to find out.

A good portion of those without Internet access fall into predicable groups: the elderly, and those with low education or income. In fact, while more than 80 per cent of university graduates have internet access at home, less than 30 per cent of those without high school diplomas are plugged in. But, curiously, there is a second kind of non-user: someone with a good education and a decent income but no interest in the Internet.

Middleton will work to understand these two groups, and design strategies to get them both online.

Meanwhile, she'll also ask some hard questions about constant Internet usage: is it really in the interest of companies to make employees always available? Or are the initial benefits outweighed by long-term problems with burnout and retention? And why can't some people let go: sending emails at 3 a.m. and expecting replies within the hour?

Answers to these questions will lead to insights about how-or if-always-on technologies can be adopted in ways that encourage productivity without disrupting people's personal lives.

Middleton's research will be incredibly useful to both government and business. The results will help them make sure online services are accessible to more people, while also ensuring employees and citizens get plugged into-without getting trapped by-the new technology.