The Frontier of Network Society

Abstract

In the article, the authors have integrated the network approach and the Frontier Theory, proving the heuristic potential of such a synthesis in discovering of the network society flexible borders development logic. The conceptual ideas of the Frontier Theory were revealed by the American historian F.J. Turner and his followers, later this approach was borrowed and adopted in other branches of social sciences and humanities. The authors disclose the potential of this theory with regard to the social space, including the network space. In this research, the network frontier is defined as a mobile space border of contact and mutual interpenetration between the network society social/cultural practices and those of previous times. The main stages of its development are justified and described according to several criteria. These are availability and variety of interfaces; specific technological platforms that create conditions for the networks and communities formation; centering of frontier zones around the "gravitational fields" (which are different network leaders and innovative practices in the network structures); the role of a state in implementation of control, regulatory and coordinating functions in the public network space. The researchers have identified and discussed some of the network frontier markers, such as the mobility of network border, specific features of governing system, “abuse of administrative power" and arbitrariness. The frontier demonstrates numerous examples of transgressions, first of all, in the identities formation. The directions of future research are outlined in the article: the network frontier myths and heroes, the evolution of the frontier type of personality in different social spaces, and other. Modern political processes, the growth of the developmental non-linearity and uncertainty actualize the frontier discourse in political studies. Acknowledgements. This article was prepared with fi nancial support provided by the Russian State Humanitarian Foundation (research grant № 15-03-00339 “The Frontier of Network Society as a Space of Political Interaction”).