The Theoretical and Empirical Paradox of Temporal Change due to Digital Media in Germany and China

The Doctoral Thesis offers a critical stance and new insights into the link between time and digital media and time policy in Germany and China. Based on De-Westernized theory development and on cross-cultural, quantitative research it closes the gap of media and time research on China in Western scholarship but also contributes to complementing the wide-spread qualitative scholarship on the topic. In an online survey of internet users in Germany (n=123) and China (n=91) and P&P interviews of off-liners (Germany n=45, China n=41), that among other constructs considered socio-demographics, temporal online habits and duration of use, we investigated the change of temporal understanding as a nine-dimensional construct of social time in Germany and China. It was hypothesized, that temporal change takes place equally in both Germany and China according to Krotz’ idea of homogenization, and that the more people get exposed to digital media, the more the sub-dimensions of temporal understanding are altered. More specifically, some dimensions were supposed to decline (e.g., planning the future, monochronicity, …) and others supposed to increase (e.g., pace of life, polychronicity, …). Through quantitative data analysis, i.e., bivariate correlation, partial correlation and multivariate regression analysis we generated evidence that 8 of 9 sub-dimensions increased and that temporal digital inequalities among different marginalized communities. e.g., differences between users and non-users and rural-urban differences, exist. Such simultaneous increase of these sub-dimensions and temporal marginalization can lead to conflicting temporalities. This increase in temporal understanding, which can be defined as conflicting temporalities, produces stress and hinders well-being and affects the labor market as was shown. This implies that through permanent availability, connectivity and flexibility a new temporal order is established, and thus it is particularly urgent to integrate time-outs and downtime in day-by-day activities. In an international perspective, such conflicting temporalities in Germany and China are inextricably linked to sustainable living globally which is discussed on the backdrop of the Sustainable Development Goals formulated in the UN 2030 agenda.