Digital technology is transforming the nature of communication and learning world-wide, and social media is catalysing personal and societal transformations. Indigenous youth in remote Australia are coming of age connected to a globalised world where new forms of digitally-mediated social interaction are altering social and cultural practice, communication styles and learning processes. New technologies are also enabling innovations in multimodal communications, cultural production and enterprise development. While there are many positive aspects associated with the uptake of digital technologies, it is apparent that we do not yet understand the full impact of the internet, social media and mobile phone usage in remote communities. This seminar will draw on long-term ethnographic observations in Central Australia to explore the consequences of intergenerational shifts in social and cultural practice, communication styles and learning processes in the remote context.

Dr Inge Kral is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, The Australian National University.