Ever feel confined when you’re plugged in and stuck at a desktop? Well with the invention of broadband wireless Internet the accessibility and mobility is boundless. The presentation will look at the differences between wireless and plugged-in Internet, as well as how this Wireless connection has impacted urban spaces and our social life. [Click the image]

1. The Escalation of Wireless Internet By Ryan Woods Follow me @rtwoods13 Image: cestaimee ~ Flickr

2. Are you showing symptoms of mobility, social & interpersonal interaction, as well as feeling connected without being physically plugged in? Image: Mae_L12 ~ PhotoBucket

3. Well then you must have a case of Wireless Internet. Image: Natalie Marion

4. What is Wireless Internet? Image Source: Alegriphotos

5. If you’ve been living under a rock or have been highly sheltered all your life… Wireless internet is essentially a component that provides a mobile device with the ability to connect to the internet without the use of cables so long as the device is within range of a wireless network Image: keithloaf1961 ~ Flickr

6. Through the escalation of broadband wireless Internet, access to the web has become almost unlimited amid the rapid development of community wi-fi in public spaces. Crop top off. Insert quote on grey bottom Image: Emilio Labrador ~ Flickr

7. The accessibility is boundless… Image: Adnan Islam ~ Flickr

8. “ While the interpersonal component of the public sphere has become increasingly private, the structure of people’s social networks has changed significantly.” Quote: Keith N. Hampton Image: Pauly` ~ Flickr

9. Internet access in the public realm has reshaped , revitalized and improved the processes of privatism , and essentially social interaction & engagement . Image: Pauly` - Flickr

10. The available and immediate connectivity that Wi-fi has to offer may even establish less social inequalities , as well as an increased popularity toward public spaces. Image: Paul White

11. “ The experience of wireless Internet use in the public realm contrasts with traditional wired Internet use, which is confined primarily to the private realm of the home and… workplace. “ Quote: Keith N. Hampton et Al. Photo: Pauly`~ Flickr

12. Without wireless internet, we’d just be still using… Well… old wired technology. Image: Pauly`~ Flickr

13. But now, With broadband wireless Internet access, people can use a greater range of devices (e.g., laptops, the iPhone, and “smart phones”) and applications and are not restricted to the limited processing, display, and data entry capabilities of the traditional mobile phone. Image: Ryan Woods

14. “ People can now readily use mobile devices in urban public spaces and expect an Internet experience that is similar to wired Internet access at home and work.” Source: Hampton et Al, The Social Life in Urban Places… Image: Mo Riza ~ Flickr

15. Mobile phone networks are only one example of wireless communications that are capable of providing broadband Internet access to phones, laptops, and other mobile devices. Wi-fi networks are an additional opportunity for wireless connectivity . Image: Alegriphotos

16. In 2007 , 41% of Americans had used wireless Internet access… but only 16% had used the internet on a smart phone or other handheld device… By 2009 this had increased to 59% and 32% respectively. Source: (Purcell, Entner & Henderson 2010)(Horrigan, 2008).

17. “ Wi-fi networks [can] range from the formal to the accidental and from corporate to counter-culture.” Source: Hampton et Al, The Social Life in Urban Places… Image: Cordey ~ Flickr

18. With the consumption of wireless networks, generally, the benefits of wi-fi include considerable opportunities towards the provision of city services , economic development , and the diminution of social inequalities . Image: Sharyn Morrow ~ Flickr

19. How has wireless Internet affected urban spaces ? Image: ercwttmn ~ Flickr

20. Free . A word you rarely hear in today’s society without a catch to it. Image: Jiaren Lau ~ Flickr

21. However, when it comes to Free Wifi … often places really mean free… more or less. Image: Emma Besseau

22. These include Wireless community networks: Grassroots, non- profit associations that afford local, generally free , wireless Internet access. Image: Pauly` ~ Flickr

23. Free wi-fi is often used as a marketing tool to gain a larger audience in places. This marketing ploy is used in such places as Starbucks, and even McDonalds . Image: Ryan Woods

24. Image: Elvert Barnes ~ Flickr Coffee shops and restaurants were often used for intimate social communications … … but now, these locations are mainly being used as a place for one individual to go to communicate socially, in terms of social media (s).

25. These urban areas that are catered by Free Wi-fi access are known as Hotspots Image: David Goehring ~ Flickr

26. Hotspots are limited locations where Wireless internet access, such as a coffee shop , bookstore, or airport lounge. Access is typically associated with pay-per-use or the purchase of a product (e.g. a cup of coffee). Image: N i c o l a ~ Flickr

27. Hotspots have become a universal feature of the urban environment. Image: Thomas Duesing ~ Flickr

28. According to Hampton’s article on the social life in urban places… There are “complex ways in which this new technology is implicated in contemporary social processes in public spaces.” Source: Hampton et Al, The Social Life in Urban Places… Image: Benjamin Ellis ~ Flickr

29. There is speculation of additional social benefits by using wireless Internet in public spaces. promotion of social cohesion community building stimulation of democracy revitalization & repopulation of civic spaces This includes:

30. What are the factors of wireless access when it comes to establishing location popularity? #1 Reputation #2 Availability #3 Urban Design #4 Local Culture #5 Population Density #6 Surveillance/Harassment #7 Early Establishment of Wi-fi Source: Observations on seven public spaces in the United States & Canada

31. Ratio of wi-fi users between men to women 3 : 1 ... with single, white, young male adults predominating. Source: 344 women and 966 men were observed using laptops in a study for Wireless Urban Spaces

32. Why is the ratio so high for men than women? Women are more likely to go to an indoor public space with wi-fi, because they may perceive indoor public spaces to be safer from harassment, as well as containing fewer social indications that promote the exclusion of females, compared to similar outdoor environments. Image: OpenEye ~ Flickr

33. Approximately 80% of wireless users are alone. Female laptop users were as likely as males to be alone. Source: Study of Wireless internet Users in urban places Image: Okko Pyykkö ~ Flickr

34. Decreased public sociability occurs among collocated companions whenever there is accessibility to wireless internet. Image: Curtis W

35. Are Wireless users becoming anti-social ? Often, many individuals actively work to shield themselves from the gaze of others, thus minimizing opportunities for interaction. Don’t deny it. We’ve all done it… whether it’s hiding behind your screen from someone or pretending to text in the elevator to break that awkward silence, or the opportunity for interaction. Image: Thomas Duesing ~ Flickr

36. Wireless Internet users tend to occupy areas within urban public spaces that are relatively sparsely populated . Image: clemsonunivlibrary ~ Flickr

37. Often, users will temporarily withdraw into the niches of public spaces – corners , next to shelves, behind stands – when using their devices… Image: AndYaDontStop ~ Flickr

38. On the other hand, for wireless Internet users, niches are not temporary retreats, they can become everlasting shelters . Need image Image: Ballistik Coffee Boy ~ Flickr

39. Location , Location, Location … but where to go? There are high demands for location with other infrastructure needs, such as comfortable seating and the presence of power outlets . Image: Erin E. ~ Flickr

40. Studies suggest that the reduced attention to surroundings, a focus on private, head-down activities, and limited response from the environment suggests that wireless Internet users are exposed to significantly less social diversity in urban public spaces. Image: Tiren M ~ Flickr

41. Internet use in public spaces can offer a break of productivity away from the distractions of the home and workplace. Image: Janis Joplin

42. Wireless Internet use makes the ability to connect and share with existing social networks more portable and readily accessible. Image: Pauly` ~ Flickr

43. Many wi-fi users are new users of urban public spaces , and the pre-existing users of a public space become even more frequent visitors as a result of wi-fi availability. Image: Christian Zibreg

44. “ Wireless Internet users found in urban public spaces were embedded in large, diverse social networks. While in urban public spaces, their online activities were directed at maintaining those networks. They were heavily involved in e-mail and instant message exchanges and were using social networking websites.” Image: Terry Johnston ~ Flickr Source: Hampton et Al, The Social Life in Urban Places…

45. The availability of ubiquitous wireless Internet access may allow people to renegotiate time to consume a broader range of news and social media content online than they otherwise would. Image: Cheryl MacDonald

46. “ An infrastructure for wireless Internet connectivity within urban spaces may have unanticipated and positive consequences for participation in the public sphere – including diverse social engagement – beyond what could have previously been afforded by urban public spaces that are free of Internet connectivity ” Source: Hampton et Al, The Social Life in Urban Places… Image: Tony Hall ~ Flickr

47. Wireless Internet has been nothing short of revolutionary in how people connect with other users, anytime, anywhere. thanks for coming. Image: koffeeben ~DeviantArt