Internetstudies

Internetstudies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the social, political, economic, cultural, and technical dimensions of the internet and networked technologies. It draws on sociology, anthropology, communication studies, information science, law, political science, and computer science to analyze how online platforms, infrastructures, and practices shape individuals and societies.

The scope of internet studies includes online communication and social media, digital labor and platform economies, privacy and surveillance, data governance, cybersecurity, algorithmic decision-making, digital inequalities, open source movements, and the governance of critical internet infrastructures. It also investigates issues related to governance, regulation, global interoperability, and the cultural consequences of digital life.

Research methods are diverse, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. Common methods include ethnography, interviews, surveys, discourse and content analysis, network analysis, policy analysis, and comparative case studies. Researchers often integrate technical understanding with social science theories to examine how technologies become embedded in everyday life and institutions.

History and development: the field emerged from information studies, media studies, and science and technology studies in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, expanding with the growth of the commercial internet, mobile connectivity, and ubiquitous platforms. It embraces both empirical investigations and theoretical perspectives such as critical political economy and actor-network theory.

Education and research: universities offer degrees and programs in internet studies, digital media, or related areas, and dedicated research centers study policy, culture, infrastructure, and technology’s societal implications. The field informs policy discussions on privacy, data protection, antitrust, and digital rights, while engaging ongoing debates about platform power, data sovereignty, and digital inclusion.