Cybermethods: An assessment

H. Megens, Tilburg University, The Netherlands
B. Martin, University of Wollongong

Article comments

This article was originally published as: Megens, H & Martin, B, Cybermethods: An assessment, First Monday: Peer-Reviewed Journal on the Internet, 2003, 8(2). The original article is available here.

Abstract

Methods of communication and action on the Internet, such as e-mail, encryption and hacking, can be broadly grouped into four categories: expressing, protecting, information gathering and interfering. This classification helps explain the distribution of concern about cybermethods and offers a guide for assessing and designing future methods. As forms of technology, cybermethods are neither neutral nor autonomous. Methods of expressing and protecting are most suitable for promoting a society with greater equality and participation.