Alex van der Zeeuw

Alex van der Zeeuw is an Assistant Professor in Communication Science at the University of Twente. His research focuses on digital inequality, the Internet of Things (IoT), and the sociotechnical barriers faced by marginalized groups, particularly households living in poverty. His work bridges theoretical frameworks like digital divide research, capital theory, and micro-interaction rituals to examine how technology shapes everyday life.

Key research interests include IoT adoption barriers, IoT skill disparities, and the interplay between household dynamics and technology use. He collaborates frequently with Professor Alexander van Deursen on projects addressing digital inclusion policies and poverty-related technology access challenges. Recent studies include qualitative analyses of Dutch parents' IoT challenges and quantitative exploration of IoT skill validation frameworks.

Publications highlight themes like vendor lock-in effects in smart home ecosystems, playful IoT engagement strategies, and cross-cultural comparisons of IoT privacy management. His work has contributed to policy-oriented insights through reports like the 'digitaal meedoen' initiative, emphasizing practical interventions for reducing digital exclusion.