Mobile Social Networks and Social Practice: A Case Study of Dodgeball

Abstract

A mobile social network system (MSNS) allows groups of friends to be accessed and engaged with from one's mobile phone. Dodgeball is a MSNS that seeks to facilitate social connection and coordination among friends in urban public spaces. Based on a year-long qualitative field study, this article reports on the social and behavioral norms of Dodgeball use. A comparison between social network sites and Dodgeball highlights some of the communicative differences of mobile technology and the Internet. The findings of the study suggest that Dodgeball use can influence the way that informants experience public space and social relations therein. At times Dodgeball can facilitate the creation of third spaces, which are dynamic and itinerant forms of "third places." Additionally, exchanging messages through Dodgeball can lead to social molecularization, whereby active Dodgeball members experience and move through the city in a collective manner.

Public Wi-Fi: Space, sociality and the social good

“…They are user-centric services which enable a range of uses, discussed above, which are undertaken alone and in both physical and virtual social contexts. However, our initial observations found that users tend to be 'cocooned' within existing social relationships, which means they may be less open to chance public encounters and experiences, confirming previous theory and research (Habuchi 2005;Hampton et al 2010;Humphreys 2007;Ling 2008). This kind of cocooning is potentially harmful to the cosmopolitan principles stated above.…”

Playful Identities: The Ludification of Digital Media Cultures

“…However, as Humphreys (2007; found in her ethnographic study of Dodgeball, 5 mobile social network users do not necessarily meet more (new) people, but rather tend to use them to socialize with existing friends. This finding is not very different from already existing tendencies with mobile phone use.…”

Disconnected and Unplugged: Experiences of Technology Induced Anxieties and Tensions While Traveling

“…In an early study on mobile social networking, Humphreys (2008) built upon existing research that showed that in addition to aiding the maintenance of existing social connections, mobile phones can contribute to 'atomization and privatization' which hinders in-person interactions. Humphrey's research suggests that even when individuals temporarily disconnect from the network, it is difficult to disengage because updates are readily available and archived once their connection is reenabled.…”