List of Figures

xi

List of Tables

xv

Preface

xvii

Acknowledgments

xxi

Chapter 1: Introduction

1

1.1. Definitions and Aims

1

1.2. Relevance

4

1.3. Object of Study

7

1.4. Delimitations

11

1.5. Structure of This Text

12

Chapter 2: The Internet as an Object of Study

15

2.1. Characteristics of the Internet

15

2.2. The Duality of Users and Producers

19

2.3. Interactivity

22

2.4. (Dis)orientation

26

2.5. Selectivity

28

2.6. Technology as a Frame

30

2.7. Preliminary Conclusions

33

Chapter 3: Theoretical Foundations

35

3.1. Metatheoretical Considerations

35

3.2. Developing an Integrative Framework

38

3.3. In the Context of Context

51

3.4. The Dual-Perspective Framework

62

3.5. Preliminary Conclusions

67