Title: On convergent supersurfaces and public spheres online

Authors: Zizi A. Papacharissi

Addresses: Communication, University of Illinois-Chicago, 1140A Behavioral Sciences Building, 1007 W Harrison St. MC 132, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

Abstract: This essay considers the civic ecology that is afforded via technologies of convergence. I propose that rather than examining the impact of technology, we consider technology as architecture. This permits us to situate civic tendencies and tensions in socio-cultural context. Thus, rather than measuring beneficial against adverse civic uses of online technologies, we concentrate on how newer civic habits, enabled by online networked platforms, shape and are shaped by our civic ecology.

Keywords: public service; online media; civic engagement; public sphere; internet; convergence technologies; electronic governance; e-governance; civic ecology; civic tendencies; civic tensions; socio-cultural context.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2011.041704

International Journal of Electronic Governance, 2011 Vol.4 No.1/2, pp.9 - 17

Published online: 30 Jul 2011 *

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