Digital Inscriptions as Material Anchors for Future Action: Multi-scalar Integration and Dynamic Systems

Adopting a dynamic, ecological perspective, the main function of language is regulating the life of a socio-cultural group. This is made possible by the achievement of a sufficient degree of cognitive and affective coordination between the interlocutors, whose interactions take place in the context of a normative world and assume the shape of sign-response cycles. In my case-study, I will first observe the development of a conflictive interaction in an Italian blog, arguing that it can be conceived as moving through different phases. Then, I will suggest that this sign- response cycle can be seen as fleshed out by the integration of three distinct time scales. Further, I will underline the central role of digital inscriptions in this integration process arguing that, far from performing a merely symbolic function, they work as material anchors which enable the interlocutors to set future targets and plan their moves in order to reach them. Finally, I will propose that the evolution of digital interactions can be coherently explained in dynamic-systems terms.