A Relational Hyperlink Analysis of an Online Social Movement

In this paper we propose relational hyperlink analysis (RHA) as a distinct approach for empirical social science research into hyperlink networks on the World Wide Web. We demonstrate this approach, which employs the ideas and techniques of social network analysis (in particular, exponential random graph modeling), in a study of the hyperlinking behaviors of Australian asylum advocacy groups. We show that compared with the commonly-used hyperlink counts regression approach, relational hyperlink analysis can lead to fundamentally different conclusions about the social processes underpinning hyperlinking behavior. In particular, in trying to understand why social ties are formed, counts regressions may over-estimate the role of actor attributes in the formation of hyperlinks when endogenous, purely structural network effects are not taken into account. Our analysis involves an innovative joint use of two software programs: VOSON, for the automated retrieval and processing of considerable quantities of hyperlink data, and LPNet, for the statistical modeling of social network data. Together, VOSON and LPNet enable new and unique research into social networks in the online world, and our paper highlights the importance of complementary research tools for social science research into the web

The dynamic performance of identity work

As a phenomenon socially constructed and performed through relationships (Ainsworth and Hardy, 2004, Cunliffe, 2008, Beech, 2008), self-identity is inextricably dependent on interpersonal interactions and social contexts (Kondo, 1990, Kondrat, 1999, Ybema et al., 2009). Thus “selves and identities are ‘performed within relationships’, ‘done in interactions’ and/or ‘talked into being’” (Smith and Sparkes, 2008, p.25). As this suggests, identity is performative (Butler, 1990, Smith and Sparkes, 2008) and, therefore, identity work becomes an important feature of the way in which individuals strive to enact, and become, their identity (Kärreman and Alvesson, 2001, Down and Reveley, 2009

The Web of Corruption:A Tardean Analysis of the Shifting Constructions of the Elios Scandal in the Hungarian Online News Media

Although corruption portrayals within the news media have become a regularly analysed topic in Organisation and Management Studies, the construction of scandals within the online realm is still under-researched. Organisational scholars call for studies to analyse corruption in online media due to the highly participatory sense- making processes that distinguish this context from traditional press. Analysing scandalisation online is important because interactions in this realm define and curb corruption.This thesis responds to these points by exploring the co-production of corruption scandals within online news articles as occurring through narrative developments and hyperlink relations. To address the processual and participatory aspects of online corruption scandalisation, it engages with the theories of Gabriel Tarde. Particularly, the Tardean lens allows this thesis to analyse articles with their embedded hyperlinks as sense-making crossroads of information flows that accumulate into the rhythmical meanderings of scandal narratives.Empirically, the thesis focuses on the Hungarian organisational and political Elios scandal. It investigates the articles of the news outlets of Origo and Index, and their hyperlinks. Thematic analysis is used for studying the textual data, and argumentation analysis for the hyperlink interactions.This results in the identification of three narrative-construction periods: (1) scandalisation, (2) anti-scandalisation and moderation, and (3) counter- scandalisation. The thesis shows that hyperlinks play an important role in these meaning constructions. On the one hand, hyperlinks represent online sense-making channels, leading to reliable and relevant sources. However, through the avoidance of hyperlinking opposing arguments, these contribute to one-sided, meaning- constructions. Furthermore, the thesis demonstrates how the corruption scandal is gradually diverted and replaced with the sensationalist counter-scandalising Soros- narrative that provokes social currents, such as Antisemitism. Overall, this thesis contributes to the literature on corruption within the media by illustrating how hyperlinks and gradual narrative-developments are strategically used to shape the meaning-constructions around scandals

Hyperlinks and networked communication: A comparative study of political parties online

This study analyses hyperlink data from over 100 political parties in six countries to show how political actors are using links to engage in a new form of 'networked communication' to promote themselves to an online audience. We specify three types of n

Introduction: Layered Landscapes

This Special Issue of Arts investigates a series of creative projects focused upon and sited within certain peripheral landscapes of northern Britain ..

Participatory Transformations

Learning, in its many forms, from the classroom to independent study, is being transformed by new practices emerging around Internet use. Conversation, participation and community have become watchwords for the processes of learning promised by the Internet and accomplished via technologies such as bulletin boards, wikis, blogs, social software and repositories, devices such as laptops, cell phones and digital cameras, and infrastructures of internet connection, telephone, wireless and broadband. This chapter discusses the impact of emergent, participatory trends on education. In learning and teaching participatory trends harbinge a radical transformation in who learns from whom, where, under what circumstances, and for what and whose purpose. They bring changes in where we find information, who we learn from, how learning progresses, and how we contribute to our learning and the learning of others. These trends indicate a transformation to "ubiquitous learning" ??? a continuous anytime, anywhere, anyone contribution and retrieval of learning materials and advice on and through the Internet and its technologies, niches and social spaces.not peer reviewe