Introduction

Economic globalization and the widespread use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) are blurring traditionally sharp boundaries between countries and regions, home and work, work and leisure time, and among time zones. Mobility, too, is changing the nature of the lived life: no longer simply physical, it may also be virtual. As people seek to manage these changes via their ICTs, conflicts can arise owing to misinterpretation of norms and values. At the same time, the possible rise of a universal ICT culture – with shared norms and values – might greatly reduce this problem. But what are the prospects of such a culture arising?

We can explore these questions by identifying the cultural differences that now exist and their seeming direction of change. We can do this by discussing the results of international comparative research on the use of and attitudes toward ICTs. The original purpose of the research was to identify the role cultural differences might play in the ways people use and give meaning to ICTs in their everyday lives. In turn, it allows us to reflect on how realistic it is to contemplate a general ICT culture shared by different countries. The two-pronged international research program began in early 1999 by comparing the USA and the Netherlands. A second study was conducted in late 1999 as part of an international comparison of six European countries.

Methodology

The perceptual mapping method used by Batt and Katz (1998) underlies the main part of the American–Dutch study.