Inside Networks

Dalibor Petrović is the author of the first sociological study of the social consequences of  Internet use in Serbia, named "Inside Networks-Internet and New Forms of Sociability". Aim of this book was to understand the role of Internet in creating new forms of sociability in the modern society. The basic idea was to analyze, from micro to macro level, relations between social relations and new information and communication technology (ICT) - the Internet. The central place of study is Petrović idea of two basic functions of Internet as interpersonal communication tool: transmissional and procreative. These two Internet functions are very important means for reproducing a new form of sociability known as networked individualism. By transmissional function Petrović understand Internet as a specific canal for communications between previously known users. This function is similar to the telephone function. On the other hand, when he speaks about procreative function of Internet Petrović sees Internet as a social space for communication between initially unknown users.

Another important contribution of this study is empirical research conducted in Serbian chat rooms. The subjects of the study were those users who use the Internet in order to provide new social contacts. The survey it self was divided into five parts, namely: socio-demographic characteristics of users, modes of on-line behavior, virtual identity; virtual social and emotional relations, relations between the virtual and the real world. After analysis of the survey data Petrović concludes that the Internet is an important resource for new social contacts. The key findings of this study were that a large number of contacts established in the Serbian chat rooms are transferred into the real world (75%) and that they are no evidence that supports the theory of social and psychological inhibition of chat rooms users.