Reimagining Internet Geographies: A User-Centric Ethnological Mapping of the World Wide Web. Issue 3 (4th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, Angela Xiao; Taneja, Harsh
• Is Part Of: Journal of computer-mediated communication. Volume 21:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 230
• Page End: 246
• Publication Date: 2016-03-04
• Subjects: Cross-cultural Comparison -- Internet Studies -- Media Choice -- Network Analysis -- Regional Cultures -- Web Use; Telematics -- Periodicals; Computer networks -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Communication -- Periodicals; 302.20285
• DOI: 10.1111/jcc4.12157
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1083-6101

Abstract

Abstract: We propose a new user-centric imagery of the WWW that foregrounds local usage and its shaping forces, in contrast to existing imageries that prioritize Internet infrastructure. We construct ethnological maps of WWW usage through a network analysis of shared global traffic between 1000 most popular websites at 3 time points and develop granular measures for exploring global participation in online communication. Our results reveal the significant growth and thickening of online regional cultures associated with the global South. We draw attention to how local cultural identity, affirmative state intervention and economic contexts shape regional cultures on the global WWW.