Online Communities and Political Mobilization

Chapter 1 articulates the central research question, outlines the argument in the book, explains the four cases, and unpacks major concepts. It articulates the argument that key structural features about the birthplaces of the four communities shape the type of political behavior that emerges from each. It offers an extensive discussion of the concepts central to the book’s argument with reference to theoretical discussions and debates around the issues including anonymity, regulation, spatial divisions, and normative conflict. The chapter also offers an introduction to the four online...

Chapter 1 articulates the central research question, outlines the argument in the book, explains the four cases, and unpacks major concepts. It articulates the argument that key structural features about the birthplaces of the four communities shape the type of political behavior that emerges from each. It offers an extensive discussion of the concepts central to the book’s argument with reference to theoretical discussions and debates around the issues including anonymity, regulation, spatial divisions, and normative conflict. The chapter also offers an introduction to the four online communities presented in the book, Anonymous (4chan.org), The Pirate Bay, World of Warcraft, and IGN.com’s posting boards.