Governing social media : organising information production and sociality through open, distributed and data-based systems

摘要: This thesis explores the management of social media networks through a specific interpretive lens. It views as organised for information production and managed development complex data structures underpinning technological solutions. The – chiefly characterised by open distributed participation many diverse individuals intermediation solutions seems to give shape new organisational forms practices, impacting in domains. Despite vivid interest these participatory forms, we do not fully understand how technology is leveraged organise member communities, standardising processes structuring interaction. In this research I build on case PatientsLikeMe, prominent innovative network constructing medical scientific knowledge data-based contributions its base. By drawing findings an intensive, research, makes contribution several levels. The demonstrates that need achieve steady, reliable comprehensive associated collection means architectures user reporting. illustrate conditions highlighting challenges characterise system able engage productively with base describing mechanisms techniques which organisation seeks address them. Data figure prominently throughout devices critical importance networks. The also indicates comments implications modes organising production. finds support considerable innovation arrangements can be produced, consistent inclusion once marginalised actors elaborates effects relationship institutions professions. At the same time, shows technology, because strategies production, ambiguously supports project wider it afford at first sight. Finally, claims developing gives rise construction governance social, kinds sociality where socialisation, computation objects are inextricably enmeshed.