Social Movements Shaping the Internet: The Outcome of an Ecology of Games

Abstract

The idea that many computing developments, such as the revolution in personal computing, are tied to social movements is a heuristically rich theme developed by Rob Kling and his colleagues, as captured by the concept of a computerization movement (CM). This perspective provides a useful counter to notions of a single inventor or a technologically determined best way in relation to broad changes tied to technological innovations, as major developments in computing are often the outcome of complementary or conflicting social movements and their intersections. An important approach to understanding these social dynamics is to examine the unfolding interaction of various actors pursuing a diverse array of goals and objectives. In this chapter, I conceptualize this view as an ecology of games, explaining how this framework for understanding the forces shaping social transformation through the use of technological innovations can supplement and complement the CM perspective. The issues raised are illustrated by examples relating to the history, present and future of the Internet, from its invention to the emergence of ubiquitous computing built around its worldwide network of people and technologies.

Keywords: Internet, ecology of games, computerization movements, social shaping of technology, Internet governance