Cyberspace and Social Distinctions: Two Metaphors and a Theory

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Abstract
There are two different types of experiences and interactions that can be encountered in cyberspace. The first is shown in the form of social metaphors about cyberspace that focus on folk theories and ‘common-sense’ explanations particularly on Internet participation. The second is presented in the form of social distinctions within cyberspace; this concerns social theory and the signs and rules that comprise the interaction processes. This chapter presents the results from a qualitative empirical study that examined the perceptions and interpretations of intensive Internet-users on social distinctions relevant in cyberspace interactions. Here, it is pointed out that changes involving themes like freedom and creativity, persona, skill, and other such themes are brought about by processes of network peer reciprocity and that processes occurring over the internet can affect the social signification for Internet-users.

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