Post #4299873
2026-03-23 13:22 UTC
@rwg@aoir.social @guillaume@aoir.social
In the piece we look back on the last 15 years of alternative social media (ASM) research to reflect on how scholars have differently understood alternative social media such as the #Fediverse
Early beginnings focused on ASM as something based on F/LOSS, decentralisation and anti-commerical politics. Later came understandings of alternative as in "alt-right" social media, leading to the more contemporary focus on issues of governance. Throughout the piece we complicate such understandings to eventually propose a working definition which sees ASM as relational, emergent, and dynamic. In addition, we argue ASM scholars must use a situated perspective when studying ASM.
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Replies (1)
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@rra@post.lurk.org 2026-03-23 13:24
@rwg@aoir.social @guillaume@aoir.social This paper is probably useful for those that: 1) Are unfamiliar with ASM studies and look for an overview of the field. The paper references many works across disciplines that touch on ASM. We build on the @altsocialmedianet@sciences.social bibliography: https://www.socialmediaalternatives.org/bib.html 2) Are looking for ways to understand how to engage with the "alternative" in ASM and how others have done so. 3) Are looking for a working definition as a point of departure. We realize its not perfect, but therefore we stress its a working definition. Hope you enjoy it! 3/3