Mobile technology appropriation in a distant mirror: Baroquization, creolization, and cannibalism. (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bar, François; Weber, Matthew S.; Pisani, Francis
• Other Names: Hunsinger Jeremy guest-editor.; Schrock Andrew guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: New media & society. Volume 18:Number 4(2016:Jun.)
• Page Start: 617
• Page End: 636
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: Baroquization -- cannibalism -- creolization -- technology appropriation -- user-driven innovation; Mass media -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Mass media and culture -- Periodicals; Information technology -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Internet -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 302.2305
• DOI: 10.1177/1461444816629474
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1461-4448

Abstract

Appropriation is the process through which technology users go beyond mere adoption to make technology their own and to embed it within their social, economic, and political practices. The appropriation process is a negotiation about power and control over the configuration of technology, its uses, and the distribution of its benefits. The negotiation surrounding technology appropriation echoes earlier creative tensions in the New World regarding the appropriation of cultural objects and ideas from abroad. This article reviews existing theoretical approaches to the study of technology appropriation and draws inspiration from three Latin American cultural traditions, baroquization, creolization, and cannibalism. It proposes a new theoretical framework that informs an in-depth study of the social, economic, and political impacts of technology appropriation.