Mobile social networks and urban public space

The development and proliferation of mobile social networks have the potential to transform ways that people come together and interact in public space. These services allow new kinds of information to flow into public spaces and, as such, can rearrange social and spatial practices. Dodgeball is use...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:New media & society 2010-08, Vol.12 (5), p.763-778
Main Author: Humphreys, Lee
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Communication
Congregations
Field work
Mobile phones
Networks
Public Space
Public spaces
Social interaction
Social Networks
Urban Areas
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Summary:The development and proliferation of mobile social networks have the potential to transform ways that people come together and interact in public space. These services allow new kinds of information to flow into public spaces and, as such, can rearrange social and spatial practices. Dodgeball is used as a case study of mobile social networks. Based on a year-long qualitative field study, this article explores how Dodgeball was used to facilitate social congregation in public spaces and begins to expand our understanding of traditional notions of space and social interaction. Drawing on the concept of parochial space, this article examines how ideas of mobile communication and public space are negotiated in the everyday practice and use of mobile social networks.
ISSN:1461-4448
1461-7315
DOI:10.1177/1461444809349578