Written by Christopher Johnson 2009
Department of Internet Studies, Curtin University of Technology
Net Studies Conferences 2010
Abstract
“In the last few years we have seen Apple IncTM succeeds in their world dominance of the mp3 music industry with Apple iTunes and the iPod. Then in July 2007 came the iPhone, where not only was it an iPod but a Smartphone Along with the iPhone comes a controlled environment controlled by Apple IncTM that socially shapes what the user can and cannot do. Digital Management Rights (DMR), restricted applications, one phone carrier and proprietary software formats managed under patent laws makes the iPhone more an Apple appliance(artefact) than a generative artefact for future internet communications. This paper will argue that the popular uptake of an iPhone along with other appliances is socially shaping its users and threatens the very existence of the Internet, Social Networks and Online Communities as we know it. Although in recent times we have seen many artefacts “like Sony Playstation, Wii, Xbox, Tivo” competing to control the space. This paper will focus on the case study of the Apple iPhone.”
