2020/03/16 by Jaime García-Iglesias · 1 citation
Computer Science · Social Sciences · Arts and Humanities · #Digital Communication and Language #Social Media and Politics #Discourse Analysis in Language Studies #Reflexivity #Fantasy #Negotiation #Focus (optics) #Sociology #Online discussion #Mediation #Epistemology #Computer science #World Wide Web #Social science
paper · doi:10.1177/1363460719896967
openalex publication_date 2020/03/16 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
In this piece, I discuss the creation of ethnoperformance as a method of exploring and representing online spaces. I highlight the need for writing that acknowledges the influence of technology in online communication and argue for the suitability of ethnodrama as a writing method. In particular, I focus on bugchasers – men who fetishize HIV – and their online discussions. Bugchasers’ comments to a forum, articulated as a five act ethnoperformance, serve as a case study to showcase how this form of writing allows users to discuss their negotiations of fantasy/reality while also acknowledging the uncertainty of online spaces and the mediation by technology. I finally defend the view that the visceral reactions ethnodrama produces generate interesting reflexive standpoints from which to research stigmatized practices and ideas.