Abstract

This study aims at understanding how resettled refugees interact with computer technology. In particular, the objectives of this research project are twofold. First, it analyses how information technology users interpret the affordances of computer technology in relation to their unique needs and goals. Second, it scrutinises how information technology users exercise their agency to act upon the materiality of computer technology. The combination of the concepts of affordance and temporal agentic orientation provides the theoretical foundations for this research. Data, obtained through in-depth, face-to face, semi-structured interviews with 53 participants across four locations in New Zealand, was thematically analysed. The findings show that user’s past experiences, current circumstances and evaluation of future outcomes significantly influence the perceived affordances of computer technology and, consequently, shape the way it is used.

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