Children in the Information Society: The Case of Finland (New Literacies and Digital Epistemologies)

Finland is known worldwide as a laboratory of the information society. The Finnish model combines information technology know-how with welfare state structures where equality seems to prevail. Can we take this picture at face value, or is it too optimistic? In this book we approach the case of Finland from children’s perspectives by exploring what ICTs (information and communication technology) and media they use, how they use them, and what their thoughts are concerning this use? How does media become a part of children’s everyday lives? The book is based on a nationally representative child survey supplemented by interviews where eight- to ten-year old Finnish children have been the key informants.