Conviviality of Internet social networks: An exploratory study of Internet campaigns in Iran

In this study, we focus on the relationship between Internet social networks and societal change by examining case studies of the impact of Internet-based campaigns in Iran. Ivan Illich's theory of ‘Conviviality of Tools’ enables an analysis of the conviviality of the Internet. Subsequently, th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of information technology 2010-06, Vol.25 (2), p.244-257
Main Authors: Ameripour, Aghil, Nicholson, Brian, Newman, Michael
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Business and Management
Business Information Systems
Campaigns
Design
Information systems
Information Systems and Communication Service
Innovation/Technology Management
Internet
Management
Political activism
Politics
Public spaces
Research Article
Social activism
Social networks
Social order
Social research
Society
Studies
Systems design
Virtual communities
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Summary:In this study, we focus on the relationship between Internet social networks and societal change by examining case studies of the impact of Internet-based campaigns in Iran. Ivan Illich's theory of ‘Conviviality of Tools’ enables an analysis of the conviviality of the Internet. Subsequently, this conceptual lens is used to examine empirical data from two Internet-based campaigns. The paper contributes theoretical and practical Implications regarding conviviality of Internet social networks and the accomplishment of conviviality in society. Our findings show that Internet conviviality cannot be treated as an independent variable with deterministic outcomes on society, but as a technology that is shaped by ongoing economic and political forces. The Iranian Internet social networks are not universally accessible, frequently induce fragmented, nonsensical, and enraged discussion and its potential as a tool of liberation is tempered by the Iranian government adaption of systems of surveillance and censorship. We argue that the findings of this study have some general implications of value to researchers studying computerisation movements and Internet social networks in other countries.
ISSN:0268-3962
1466-4437
DOI:10.1057/jit.2010.14