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Ecotones: a Conceptual Contribution to Postdigital Thinking

Postdigital Science and Education volume 3, pages 407–424 (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the notion of ecotones and argue how it can contribute to postdigital thinking. We do so using two empirical examples as backdrop for our discussions. We argue the concept of ecotones can add to postdigital research particularly in relation to addressing problematic dichotomies such as the digital vs analogue/material. We highlight how the notion of ecotones has a conceptual dimension having to do with tensions, diversity and richness emerging in the meeting between two entities. Secondly, we discuss how ecotones have a spatial and material dimension. Through the analysis of empirical examples, we discuss how the notion of ecotones can contribute to postdigital theory and analytic approach to dichotomies, such as the digital vs analogue/material. Further, we discuss ecotones in relation to hybridity and liminality, which are similar concepts.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Planning, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark

    Thomas Ryberg & Jacob Davidsen

  2. Institutionen För Teknik Och Naturvetenskap (ITN), Linköpings universitet, Norrköping, Sweden

    Jonte Bernhard

  3. Department of Communication and Psychology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark

    Malene Charlotte Larsen

Authors
  1. Thomas Ryberg
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  2. Jacob Davidsen
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  3. Jonte Bernhard
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  4. Malene Charlotte Larsen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Thomas Ryberg.

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Statement on Data and Ethics

The study was conducted under the ethical guidelines in place at Aalborg University. Informed consent forms were signed by each participant in the present research. In the empirical examples, pseudonyms have been adopted and faces covered to avoid recognisability.

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Ryberg, T., Davidsen, J., Bernhard, J. et al. Ecotones: a Conceptual Contribution to Postdigital Thinking. Postdigit Sci Educ 3, 407–424 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42438-020-00213-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42438-020-00213-5

Keywords

  • Ecotones
  • Postdigital
  • Digital
  • Analogue
  • Dichotomies