Volume 5
Volume 5, Number 2 |
January 2, 2007 |
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Johnny Snyder
Donald Carpenter
Gayla Jo Slauson
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Abstract: The Internet is the world’s largest social network. Within this framework lie many sub-networks that cater to individual interests or online desires. Each of these sub-networks has in place “rules of engagement” usually formalized in documents such as user agreements, terms of use or privacy statements. These rules define who can use the site, how the site is to be used and consequences for abuses to the rules. This research will explore the rules governing MySpace.com and how the site is currently being used and/or abused. As a framework, social contract theory will be used to identify organizational structures and to evaluate the “advance” of MySpace.com beyond the State of Nature.
Keywords: social networking site, social contract theory, MySpace.com, cyberdissident
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Recommended Citation: Snyder, Carpenter, and Slauson (2007). MySpace.com – A Social Networking Site and Social Contract Theory. Information Systems Education Journal, 5 (2). http://isedj.org/5/2/. ISSN: 1545-679X. (A preliminary version appears in The Proceedings of ISECON 2006: §3333. ISSN: 1542-7382.)