The Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication invites submissions to a special issue on the social, political, economic, and cultural dimensions of search engines. Guest editor Eszter Hargittai of Northwestern University’s Web Use Project seeks to bring together a wide range of disciplinary views to consider what is known about the present and future of the use, design, and meanings of search engines. Some possible topics:
–Who uses search engines and for what purposes?
–What are the effects of search engine use on mass- and interpersonal communication?
–How do search engines shape online identity management and representation?
–Are there any potential alternatives to commercial search engines?
Abstracts are due on June 1, 2005, with full papers of 7,000-10,000 words due October 1, 2005. Read the full call here. Send inquiries to Eszter Hargittai.