Computer Science > Computers and Society
[Submitted on 25 Sep 2020 (v1), last revised 20 Feb 2021 (this version, v2)]
Title:Effective Voice: Beyond Exit and Affect in Online Communities
View PDFAbstract:Online communities provide ample opportunities for user self-expression but generally lack the means for average users to exercise direct control over community policies. This paper sets out to identify a set of strategies and techniques through which the voices of participants might be better heard through defined mechanisms for institutional governance. Drawing on Albert O. Hirschman's distinction between "exit" and "voice" in institutional life, it introduces a further distinction between two kinds of participation: effective voice, as opposed to the far more widespread practices of affective voice. Effective voice is a form of individual or collective speech that brings about a binding effect according to transparent processes. Platform developers and researchers might explore this neglected form of voice by introducing mechanisms for authority and accountability, collective action, and community evolution.
Submission history
From: Seth Frey [view email][v1] Fri, 25 Sep 2020 23:06:22 UTC (177 KB)
[v2] Sat, 20 Feb 2021 17:33:11 UTC (265 KB)
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