title: The digital generation and nursing robotics: A netnographic study about nursing care robots posted on social media.
abstract: The aim of this study was to present the functionality and design of nursing care robots as depicted in pictures posted on social media. A netnographic study was conducted using social media postings over a period of 3 years. One hundred and Seventy-two images were analyzed using netnographic methodology. The findings show that nursing care robots exist in various designs and functionalities, all with a common denominator of supporting the care of one's own and others' health and/or well-being as a main function. The results also show that functionality and design are influenced by recent popular sci-fi/cartoon contexts as portrayed in blockbuster movies, for example. Robots'designs seem more influenced by popular sci-fi/cartoon culture than professional nursing culture. We therefore stress that it is relevant for nursing researchers to critically reflect upon the development of nursing care robots as a thoughtful discussion about embracing technology also might generate a range of epistemological possibilities when entering a postmodern era of science and practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing and Care, The Red Cross University College, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: Henrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Eriksson
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, Department of Health and Caring Science, University of Gävle, Gävle, Sweden.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Salzmann-Erikson
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D062069:Inventions; D008402:Mass Media; D009726:Nurses; D009732:Nursing Care; D015399:Nursing Research; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D061108:Social Media
keywords: nethnography; nursing robotics; postmodernism; qualitative research; robotics; social media