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This study follows an interpretivist approach and showcases five testimonials of technology usage in everyday life, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; the research also brings forward the perspectives of 31 other Brazilian citizens. The informants are Brazilian Master's level students who were on an exchange program to Portugal, at a major Portuguese university. Brazil, and in particular Rio de Janeiro, the focus of this study, are seen to have talented people and to be also open to technology - on the developing side as well as on the user side. Trust issues still exist - concerning e-commerce - and may indeed be pervasive in society. Brazil is currently undergoing a profound social and economic crisis, which it is trying to recover from. Indeed, the general lack of safety and security felt in Rio de Janeiro may even be a reason for the popularity of home and work deliveries - so that citizens will not have to travel - with travel constituting an additional risk which many may prefer to avoid. Thus, technology (a diverse set of apps) may be serving an additional purpose - that of ensuring security in daily life in Brazil.