Theorising Technological Appropriation

Abstract

In the opening chapter of this text, I discussed how I thought of SNSs, and how I thought SNSs were being talked about in relation to notions of connectivity and disconnection. In this chapter I want to provide some insight into how I am more broadly framing my understanding of the appropriation of SNSs and the role that disconnection plays. In order to do this, I begin by raising two contextual themes that are relevant to the historical and continued development of the Internet and SNSs. The first theme concerns the potentials for the Internet to enrich our world versus its potential for harm, and the second is the extent to which that activity mediated by the Internet is perceived to have material effect. Following this, I outline some key elements of a way of theorising appropriation, the social shaping of technology, particularly as it relates to understandings of technological development and the characterisation of users. The chapter concludes with a brief note on my thoughts regarding power as I see this as a necessary feature of connection and disconnection.