Surfing for Knowledge in the Information Society

Abstract

This essay explores the use of a network sampling method to locate and map authoritative sites on the World Wide Web that are involved in the debates concerning Genetically Modified (GM) foods. The prospect of finding and navigating hot routes (and storylines) through the ‘issue networks’ is discussed. The essay concludes with implications for participating, both online and off-line, in the distinctive ‘information societies’ implied in the composition of issue networks.