Theoretical foundations of social computing and virtual communities

Using a symbolic interactionist framework, interaction is defined as the reciprocal actions of two or more actors within a given context (Vrasidas and Glass, 2002). Interaction is an ongoing process that resides in a context and also creates context. Context is crucial in examining human activity in a sociotechnological environment. Context is provided by the history of the situation, past interaction sequences, and the anticipation of future interaction sequences. There is a reflexive relationship between context and interaction that prevents us from isolating the two. To examine human activity, it is important to carefully study the context and the moment-to-moment events that lead to further interaction among people. Human beings are active, meaning-making living organisms. Social interaction is an ongoing process that shapes human conduct as actors fit their actions with one another and form a continuous flow of interaction. Participants have intentions that influence interaction.