This piece introduces a special section on digital platforms and agency. It unpacks the tension between, on the one hand, the imposition of digital platforms upon cultures by immensely-powerful technology companies, and on the other hand, the emergence of possibilities as people work, play, and express themselves on platforms. Cultural studies, which has always concerned itself with structure, culture, and agency, is well-positioned to work through this tension in order to orient scholars of platform studies toward radical critique and political action. The introduction situates the invited works of “Digital Platforms and Agency” in this context, elaborates upon cultural studies’ charge toward the emerging field of platform studies, and summarizes the individual and collective contributions of the special section authors.
Articles by Elaine Venter
Elaine Venter is a media communication strategy and content professor and professional. As lecturer at Kennesaw State University’s School of Communication and Media (SOCM), she specializes in teaching and researching multimedia approaches to storytelling. As the Director of the KSU SOCM Center of Sustainable Journalism, she expands on curriculum from the classroom through guest talk events and workshops, and fosters community connection between professionals, students, and faculty. Her research interests include new media, industry studies, the internet, strategic communication and branding, globalization, video games, and representation in media.