Communication platforms on the Internet as trading zones: advantages and limitations

Abstract

The subject of this research is the analysis of specificity of functionality of communication platforms on the Internet. They can be presented as trading zones, the foundation for development of the new ways for establishing relationships between various actors. Special role in their functioning is played by interaction between human and nonhuman actors, such as interfaces, software strings, voice-activated digital assistant, and other. Such trading zones may be described as the space suggesting formation of the new type of sociality as the basis for building associations and unions between the human and nonhuman actors. Leaning on the methodological approaches towards the analysis of trading zones demonstrated in the works of P. Galison, and application of the elements of methodological approach used in terms of the actor-network theory by B. Latour and M. Callon, the author views functionality of such trading zones as network elements. The main conclusion consists in the statement that the communication platforms may be described as the hybrid distributed spaces of interpretation and harmonization of activity between human and nonhuman actors operating within the framework of the Internet culture. The advantages of hybrid functionality of trading zone on the Internet include: fast creation of new associations and networks; communication and compliance with general rules developed in the process of creation and operation of associations between different actors; constructive character of associations; formation of the situation of uncertainty. The following aspects can be referred to as limitations: formality and technical invariance of their functionality; diminishing connectedness with the traditional cultures; primacy of the rational, rationalization of affectiveness and imposition of the specific standards of rationality.