ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic that disrupt the social environment due the restrictions and limitations of people social interactions had a major effect also on children (forcing them to extensively learn and play online), but also on the research field, where face-to-face relationship between researcher and participants were strictly regulated. This new reality complicates especially the usage of empirical qualitative participatory research methodology, valuable also for deeply understand the relationship between children and technology.
Under these circumstances, the aim of this chapter it to theorize on the possibilities to expand participative research methods within virtual environment, trying to find answers to questions like: how can be conducted effective and ethical participatory research with the youngest media technology users during the pandemic? What are the main risks associated with children’s use of media technology during pandemic? How can be continued research with those who have low or no access to technology?
The conclusions prove that digital technology offer alternative solutions for reshaping participatory research design of the relationship between children and technology as long as the access to digital world gap is fulfilled.
