Sisforma: Journal of Information Systems
Vol 13, No 1: May 2026

Between Technological Determinism and Social Construction: The Adoption of Smartphones in the Samin Community of Sukolilo, Central Java

Angela Atik Setiyanti (Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana)
Rini Darmastuti (Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana)
Titi Susilowati Prabawa (Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana)
Johanes Mardimin (Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital technologies has intensified debates on whether technological change is primarily driven by technological determinism or shaped through social and cultural processes. While smartphones have become central to digital transformation, existing studies often assume linear and uniform patterns of adoption, overlooking the role of local socio-cultural contexts. This study addresses this gap by examining how smartphones are adopted within the Samin community of Sukolilo, Central Java—an indigenous community characterized by strong moral values and non-formal learning practices. Using a qualitative ethnographic approach, data were collected through observation, interviews, and focus group discussions. The findings show that smartphone adoption is selective, socially regulated, and negotiated through the interaction between technological affordances, socio-cultural values, and everyday practices. The study proposes the Negotiated Smartphone Adoption Model, contributing to ICT4D and technology-society discourse.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

sisforma

Publisher

Subject

Computer Science & IT Education Engineering Library & Information Science

Description

SISFORMA journal published by the Information Systems Studies Program Faculty of Computer Science Soegiapranata Semarang. to accommodate the scientific writings of the ideas or studies related to information systems. Scope journal Sisforma: Topics that will be published in the journal SISFORMA ...