UCLA

In this dissertation I present three case studies that are illustrative of how heterogeneous factors, including cultural values, institutional policies, and political interests, can inform the design, configuration, and use of internet-related technologies. My analysis builds upon the concept of internet “tussles” (Clark et al. 2005) and, in doing so, I propose an analytic method that I refer to as multi-tussle. Tussles are characterized by conflicting interests between two or more parties that are mediated by the internet. Tussles involve a combination of technical mechanisms and people, and the many ideals and values that motivate their use of the internet. The case studies that I present in this dissertation pull from my fieldwork in Detroit.