This book addresses how practices contained within contemporary networked publics fit into a larger genealogy of the public sphere. Here Tierney explores concepts of public space linked to theories of communal identity, civitas and democracy, the fete, and self-expression. Through empirical research she describes the actual social practices of the participants of networked publics.

Introduction 1. Reappropriating Social Media: Internet activism, counterpublics, and implications 2. Assembling the Publics: Spatial, media, and network publics 3. Origins of Networked Publics: A multi-threaded socio-geographical history 4. Networked Identity Making: Cultural analysis of a social media platform-Facebook 5. Surveying Social Media: Empirical research, content analysis and interpretation 6. Technological Innovation: Public Implications Conclusion

Thérèse F. Tierney is an Assistant Professor of Architecture with a Designated Emphasis in New Media at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, US.