[Image: From "Lifetracing: The Traces of a Networked Life" by Anne Helmond] Facebook: The role of the human agent in a non-neutral technology by Dr. Thomas Giagkoglou:

Abstract: It is hard to dispute the popularity of online social networking especially amongst the young generation. Yet there is little consent about the moral dimension of social network sites, such as Facebook, Bebo and Friendster. For social critics they are merely a means of surveillance and control, while for many members of the digital audience they are a fascinating way to create and validate friendships in a virtual world and place oneself on public display in an almost exhibitionist manner. This essay aims to explore the ‘non-neutrality’ of online social networking (Facebook) in contrast to the significance of the human agent and his-her purposeful use of the technology. Light’s argument on the relevance of the Actor Network Theory (ANT) developed in the work of Latour will be examined and contrasted with the social constructivist view that the actual behaviour of the human agent who uses the technology towards a purpose that sustains a personal meaning may render the alleged amoral dimension of the technology less significant for the individual.