Perspectives on ubiquitous computing

This paper presents three analytical perspectives on the relationship between ubiquitous computing (ubicomp) and various social and cultural dimensions. To achieve such aim, the study reconstructs the last three decades of theoretical production on the subject. Firstly, the paper analyzes instrumentalist positions about the impact, application and adoption of these developments in different areas as well as the trends that reveal their complexity. Then, in a second section, attention is turned to the ethical dilemmas and cultural criticisms that arise before pervasive computing. Thirdly, the study focuses on the political tendencies that emerge over ubicomp. Finally, conclusions about the potential of thinking these perspectives as a whole are drawn.