ネットワーク(<特集>現代マス・コミュニケーション理論のキーワード:50号を記念して)

抄録

This paper's aim is a consideration of how to think about computer networks. Some economical, jurisprudential or social relations are not concerned here. For example, "information rich-poor" perspective is suggestive, but does not talk about the characteristic of computer mediated communication (CMC) itself. "Cyberspace" metaphor is interesting and productive. It tells well about some features of CMC and"new" online relationships. But it's"medium deterministic viewpoint" is restricted and inadequate, because CMC might reflect some cultural biases and the"new" online communities might be only"new" narrow relationships. We should not analyze CMC only as medium itself. Then how should we talk about? Analyzing CMC leads to reconsidering our background assumptions about communication or community. From the viewpoint of communication study, this is the first task we should do.