'I Use YouTube Now in COVID': Understanding Technology Adoption of Indigenous Communities during COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh

ACM SIGCAS/SIGCHI Conference on Computing and Sustainable Societies (COMPASS), pp. 596-602. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1145/3530190.3534847

Posted: 28 Feb 2022 Last revised: 3 Jul 2023

See all articles by Rahat Jahangir Rony

Rahat Jahangir Rony

Cardiff University; North South University

Shajnush Amir

Design Inclusion & Access Lab (DIAL), Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, North South University

Syeda Shabnam Khan

North South University - Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Anik Saha

North South University - Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Anik Sinha

North South University

Ifti Azad Abeer

North South University

Nova Ahmed

North South University

Date Written: January 15, 2022

Abstract

Indigenous communities in Bangladesh are comparatively disadvantaged and face several barriers regarding rights. Access to technology as well as ICT can help the indigenous communities by opening new dimensions in economic, political, and social aspects. The recent COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the adoption of technology for routine use which is equally important for indigenous communities, but their technology adoption scenario remains unexplored in ICTD research. Considering the research gap, we interviewed n=36 (Female 26 and Male 10) indigenous people from six different indigenous communities from Chattagarm and Sylhet divisions in Bangladesh. We found their strong interest and eagerness to learn available technologies helped them in their professions, enrich their technical skills, communication, social participation, and expand the business. The study also discussed the community-centric strengths that helped them to fight against the COVID-19 crisis and work for their development.

Keywords: Indigenous Communities, Technology Adoption, COVID-19 pandemic, Bangladesh

Suggested Citation

Rony, Rahat Jahangir and Amir, Shajnush and Khan, Syeda Shabnam and Saha, Anik and Sinha, Anik and Abeer, Ifti Azad and Ahmed, Nova, 'I Use YouTube Now in COVID': Understanding Technology Adoption of Indigenous Communities during COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh (January 15, 2022). ACM SIGCAS/SIGCHI Conference on Computing and Sustainable Societies (COMPASS), pp. 596-602. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1145/3530190.3534847, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4043382 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4043382

Rahat Jahangir Rony (Contact Author)

Cardiff University ( email )

Abacws, Senghennydd Road, Cathays, Cardiff,
Cardiff
United Kingdom
01680191827 (Phone)

North South University ( email )

Bangladesh
8801680191827 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://https://sites.google.com/view/rahatjahangir/home

Shajnush Amir

Design Inclusion & Access Lab (DIAL), Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, North South University ( email )

Plot - 15, Block - B
Bashundhara
Dhaka, 1229
Bangladesh

HOME PAGE: http://https://sites.google.com/view/shajnushamir

Syeda Shabnam Khan

North South University - Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering ( email )

Bangladesh

Anik Saha

North South University - Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering ( email )

Bangladesh

Anik Sinha

North South University ( email )

Bangladesh

Ifti Azad Abeer

North South University ( email )

Bangladesh

Nova Ahmed

North South University ( email )

Bangladesh

HOME PAGE: http://ece.northsouth.edu/people/nova-ahmed/

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