Network


 * Defining “network”**

The concept of network has evolved from referencing physical structures that are interconnected (net-like structures of threads, wires) to networked systems (transportation systems, computers) to most recently social networks ([|Network]). Gane and Beer (2008) argue that network is a "contested and 'uncanny' concept" that has functioned as a trope, shifting from its original physical structures--articulated by computer science--to a more metaphorical reference in its current use--in social sciences (pp.15-16). Network has come to refer to the connections that emerge within and as a result of interconnected humans and computers through varied, complex structures.

[|Manuel Castells], a sociologist with interests in communications and information architecture, conceptualized networks as "emergent structures made up of a number of interconnected nodes, the character or topology of which may be very different depending on the type of systems of which they are part" (Gane and Beer, 2008, p.20). Castells' (1996) application of network in sociology articulated a dynamic, non-hierarchical structure that countered technical communication narratives focusing on power and control in networks. Networks are dynamic, according to Castells, as nodes gain and lose value in their connectivity to other nodes, shifting the infrastructure of the network. Castells further theorized the developing aspects of social networks as a transition from geo-centric connections--within communities in close proximity--to me-centric networks--focusing on individuals efforts to "maximize personal gain from others" (Gane and Beer, 2008, p. 25).


 * Differing Uses of the Concept of Network:**

Technological advances and access to the Internet has helped proliferate social media interfaces, providing internet sociologists with a wealth of data about the mediation of communication and social life online. Barry Wellman and Caroline Haythornthwaite (2002) propose a more complex view of online social networks suggesting these online networks are not isolated to the Internet; they are also in interaction with offline networks (Gane and Beer, 2008). boyd and Ellison (2007) define social network sites as "web-based services that allow individuals to (1)construct a public or semi-public proﬁle within a bounded system, (2) articulate a list of other users with whom they share a connection, and (3) view and traverse their list of connections and those made by others within the system" (p.211). Such a complicated social infrastructure--spanning online and offline networks--poses new challenges to researchers interested in Internet research, especially those whose methodologies resemble ethnography (Orgad, 2009).

[|Bruno Latour's] use the concept of network in his [|actor network theory] is in striking contrast to other uses of network. Actor Network Theory is a way of describing networks of actors, how they are formed, and how they disperse. Latour's use of network focuses on describing structures rather than being an actual grouping of people and objects. Latour (2005) writes, "network is a concept, not a thing out there. It is a tool to help describe something, not what is being described" (p. 131). He further relates this to a painting whose lines and shapes are representative of an idea/object rather than being the object itself. In ANT, the concept of network is useful for drawing connections between actors and events.


 * References**

boyd, d., and Ellison, N.B. (2007) "Social network sites: definition, history, and scholarship." //Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication.// 13(1).

Castells, M. (1996) //The rise of the network society. The information age: Economy, society and culture//. Vol I. Oxford: Blackwell.

Gane, N. and Beer, D. (2008) //New media: The key concepts//. New York: Berg.

Harper, D. (2010) Network. //Online Etymology Dictionary.// Retrieved from http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=network.

Latour, B. (2005) Reassembling the social: An introduction to actor-network theory. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Orgad, S. (2009) "How Can Researchers make Sense of the issues involved in collecting and interpreting online and offline data?" In Markham, A.N. and Baym, N.K. //Internet inquiry; Conversation about method//. pp. 33-53. Los Angeles: Sage.