Sakari Taipale

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Research interests

My research produces knowledge about the relationships between information technology, digital services and the human in a changing world. It clarifies the opportunities and social ills that stem from the uptake and use of new technologies and online services. Recently, I have considered particularly important to unfold those user-oriented practices that improve the well-being of individuals and enhance the social coherence of families. Such practices may counterbalance the negative impacts of increased mobility and individual networking, the sides of these mega-trends that are still widely overlooked. In general, my research findings have a wide applicability beyond the academia. They lend themselves for decision-makers, who are keen to understand the social, economic and geographical inequalities related to the use of digital technologies and services. The results produced in my projects also debunk many myths and stereotypical conceptions of digital technology and service users, which may be benefited in the better design and targeting of new products and services. Media professionals as well as associations and experts working with families can draw on my findings, which clarify communication practices within families in the age of mobile and social media.

Fields of science

Projects as Principal investigator

Projects as Team Member

Publications