In search of a private realm: a social perspective on Internet diffusion

Abstract

Internet diffusion is associated with the logic of technology and the economy, as well as with the fundamental societal contradiction of modernity. This modern contradiction denotes the friction between ‘the public realm’—the world of modern bureaucratic systems and techno-economic institutions—and ‘the private realm’—the world of personal spaces and intimate relationships. When the public realm does not provide us with an integrating universe, our extensive search for the private realm is a natural turn. The Internet enables us to explore this private realm as it offers a free leap to the world of cyberspace leaving behind the public realm, which is remote and alienating. Rapid Internet diffusion can be understood in this context of our search for the private realm in the world where we find it difficult to forge meaningful connections between our private realm and the large, incomprehensible public realm.