This review examines studies of the affordances of digital technologies that produce virtuality. What we can call a “technological turn” in the literature considers technology a first-order analytical object rather than blackboxing it or subsuming it under social process. J.J. Gibson’s original concept of affordance is explained, as well as its evolution to a concept consonant with anthropology’s concerns. The review probes studies of political activism, work, and play. It comments on how virtuality affects anthropology as a discipline.
Source
Nardi B. 2015. "Virtuality" Annual Review of Anthropology (44): 15-31. DOI: 10.1146/annurev-anthro-102214-014226
Critical Commentary
This review examines studies of the affordances of digital technologies that produce virtuality. What we can call a “technological turn” in the literature considers technology a first-order analytical object rather than blackboxing it or subsuming it under social process. J.J. Gibson’s original concept of affordance is explained, as well as its evolution to a concept consonant with anthropology’s concerns. The review probes studies of political activism, work, and play. It comments on how virtuality affects anthropology as a discipline.