Abstract
This study addresses how young Danish adults (18-26 years old) describe and critically reflect on the role of Facebook, the algorithm and the news feed as a way of receiving information and relating to the world. The analysis is based on a critical framework of Feenberg’s and Ihde’s theoretical work on the relationship between subject, technology and life world. The empirical material is based on ten individual interviews, which were thematically coded. Preliminary findings point towards an omnipresent role for Facebook, which users seem to be critically aware of. While all informants are clearly critical of the role Facebook plays in society, as well as in their daily life, this does not always translate into concrete actions to mitigate, improve or avoid the negative consequences of their individual Facebook use. In conclusion, we suggest that further research focuses on conceptualizing the emancipatory potential of a more direct relation with Facebook as a conceptual other, rather than understanding Facebook as a simple technology through which information about and experience with the world is simply facilitated.
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | 9th International Conference on Social Media & Society : Networked Influence and Virality - Revisited, Copenhagen, July 18-20, 2018 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Place of Publication | New York |
| Publisher | Association for Computing Machinery |
| Publication date | 18 Jul 2018 |
| Pages | 370-374 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781450363341 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 18 Jul 2018 |