The internet is plural: The sociopolitical shaping of the russian and korean “internets”

Abstract

This study investigates the evolution of the Internet in Russia and South Korea. Focusing on two of the most wired nations, this study explores how sociopolitical forces have transformed the Internet. Although very different “internets” have developed in the two countries, both countries’ constitute signs revolving around the “West.” While Korea passionately embraced the Internet as an attempt to join the “advanced world,” Russia has been wary of the interconnected computer networks spearheaded by the United States and its allies including the UK, Germany and France. This paper investigates the Internet in terms of a sign system that bears specific meanings within society, shaping its adoption, use and development.