Stranger-ness and Belonging in a Neighbourhood WhatsApp Group

Open Cultural Studies

Natalie Dixon¹ 

关键词: affect theory;    WhatsApp;    mobile;    affective mooring;   

DOI  :  10.1515/culture-2017-0046

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: De Gruyter

【 摘 要 】

Abstract The messaging application WhatsApp is often adopted in urban neighbourhoods to distribute and discuss information as part of neighbourhood watch programmes. In this context, certain notions of information sharing and the cherishing this implies, are often entangled with ideals of protection in the neighbourhood. Using the case study of an enclosed neighbourhood in Johannesburg, this essay draws on theories of affect and mobility to introduce the concept of affective mooring. That is, that a neighbourhood WhatsApp group constitutes an affective mooring-an established practice and point of fixity-that generates a sense of being held in a community through feelings of collective presence and safety. Notably, these feelings of presence and safety are hinged on acts of resistance and alienation towards strangers. In this way, WhatsApp as an affective mooring in the neighbourhood is also a site for negotiating ideals of belonging.

【 授权许可】

CC BY-NC-ND