The representation of virtual relationships. Categories for an analysis

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2024-549

Keywords:

Virtual relationships, Social networks, Internet, Virtualization, Communication, Sociology, communicative mediation, Analysis categories

Abstract

Introduction: “Virtual relationships”, as transformers of “social relations”, constitute a relevant object of study for Sociology. However, the term “virtual relationships” is used both in scientific literature and in journalistic practice unevenly and according to diverse criteria. Methodology: A content analysis of a corpus of scientific literature is carried out to know how this term has been defined, how it is characterized and how it is associated with other more or less close phenomena. Results: A list of useful categories is provided for the analysis of the treatment of “virtual relationships” that allows advancing the knowledge of this phenomenon. Discussion: Social representations about the nature of “virtual relationships” are linked to the mediating action of those who convert these facts into objects of scientific study and dissemination. Conclusions: The classification obtained represents a starting point for the rigorous study of human relations in virtualization contexts. This classification must be expanded with the review of a broader corpus and must be continued over time to address the successive transformations of “virtual relationships”.

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Author Biographies

Francisco Bernete, Complutense University of Madrid

D. in Information Sciences. Full Professor of University since 1995. He has 35 years of teaching experience and has obtained the accreditation of excellent professor UCM every year since 2015. Most frequently taught subjects: Communication Theory (undergraduate), Methodologies and techniques of content analysis and Communication, diversity and inclusion (Master). He has supervised eleven doctoral theses. Among his recent publications: A threatened identity? The narrative structure of the articles published in the magazine afdkompakt, in Studies on the Journalistic Message and Positioning of the AfD (Alternative for Germany) in the Russian-Ukrainian war, in Visual Review.

Cristina López-Navas, Complutense University of Madrid

PhD in Communication, social change and development. Assistant Professor at the Complutense University of Madrid. She teaches Communication Theory and Sociology of Communication in undergraduate courses and subjects related to communication in organizations in the Master in Social Communication. Previously, she has been an associate professor at UCM (2019-2024) and has been part of the department of communication and dissemination of Fad Juventud, an entity oriented to the promotion of studies, programs and awareness campaigns on youth development.

María Cadilla-Baz, Complutense University of Madrid

PhD in Information Sciences. Associate Professor at the Complutense University of Madrid (Department of Sociology: Methodology and Theory, Faculty of Information Sciences), where she teaches research methodologies, among other subjects. Coordinator of the Master's Degree in Social Communication (UCM). Her research activity is developed around communication, mainly in areas such as virtualization or youth. She has directed three doctoral theses and has professional experience as a documentary filmmaker in television and in editing scientific journals.

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Published

2024-10-14

How to Cite

Bernete, F., López-Navas, C., & Cadilla-Baz, M. (2024). The representation of virtual relationships. Categories for an analysis. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 9, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2024-549

Issue

Vol. 9 (2024)

Section

Communication

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Copyright (c) 2024 Francisco Bernete, Cristina López-Navas, María Cadilla-Baz

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