Virtual Ethnography

by Christine Hine

Cutting though the exaggerated and fanciful beliefs about the new possibilities of `net life′, Hine produces a distinctive understanding of the significance of the net and addresses such questions what challenges do the new technologies of communication pose for research methods? Does the Internet force us to rethink traditional categories of `culture′ and `society′?


In this compelling and thoughtful book, Hine shows that the Internet is both a site for cultural formations and a cultural artefact which is shaped by people′s understandings and expectations. The Internet requires a new form of ethnography. The author considers the shape of this new ethnography and guides readers through its application in multiple settings.

Genres: Ethnography, Anthropology, Nonfiction, Academic

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[غيداء الجويسر · Rating 5 out of 5]

Updated 31 March 2016:

She is one of the pioneers in virtual ethnography research, her book is number one recommended to read for every researcher who wants to do an ethnographical study online. The book was published in 2000, a lot have changed within 14 years, the study was on internet forums, blogs & mass media. The revolution of social media needs a lot to be done for an adequate methodology. However, it is a : must read book in both fields: qualitative method in general & virtual ethnography precisely.

[Felipe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit dated (or a lot dated...) in quite a few ways, but ultimately useful for anyone working in ethnography using internet sources for their research. There's a reason it's a must-read, must-cite for everyone in the field, after all.

[Mira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it, despite it highlighting how little I know.