The Occupation of Ethereal Locations: Indications of Mobile Data

Authors: Hashimoto, Serena; Campbell, Scott

Source: Critical Studies in Media Communication, Volume 25, Number 5, December 2008 , pp. 537-558(22)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $50.43 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

This theoretical investigation explores how ethereal locations have become increasingly inhabitable through mobile telephony. Residue of the occupation of these ethereal places is found in the form of mobile data, traces of the mobile user's fantasy of connection with the other. Drawing from an interdisciplinary body of theory and research, we demonstrate how new forms of access to ethereal locations have emerged which allow for modifications to the positioning of self, other, subject, and thing. Central to this phenomenon is the shifting away from optical discernment to an alternate employment of vision. This paper demonstrates how the process of mediation afforded by mobile communication blurs these divisions and encourages the extension of self into new contexts. The utilization of mobile data facilitates these alterations which allows for the user to occupy ethereal places and to enact subjectivity differently.

Keywords: Mobile Telephony; Mobile Data; Subject; Thing; Self; Other

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15295030802468040

Publication date: 2008-12-01