Mundane Cyborg Practice: Material Aspects of Broadband Internet Use
Monday, February 5th, 2007I have an article out in the new edition of Convergence with the above title and the abstract reads:
This article focuses on the use of broadband internet in the home, focusing on different material aspects of the internet. Inspired by actor network theory and cyborg theory, a concept of a mundane cyborg practice is developed to outline how the internet is integrated into everyday life and related to other technologies. This concept is used in mapping everyday life through ethno-graphic participant observations and qualitative interviews. Raymond Williams’ concept of flow is used to map how the internet is integrated into everyday life and thereby becomes a mundane technology that bends time and space. The flow-like character of the internet and its frequent use creates new material practices. This article argues that when we look at the internet, we have to take into consideration all the mundane aspects of internet use and sometimes perceive the users as mundane cyborgs.
Key Words: cyberculture • domestic broadband • ethnography
Find it here - if you would like a copy, mail me at: smork AT itu DOT dk
