[Air-l] theory to explain plazes.com?

[Bunz, Ulla]

An undergraduate student in my program is researching plazes.com, a website like myspace and facebook in that it is a social networking site, but in addition it adds a physical location. The technology behind it enables friends to know one's location through a cellphone or internet connection. Thus, issues of privacy (invasion) are huge. The student is looking for a theory that explains or relates to people's willingness to engage in such activities even at the expense of inhibiting personal privacy. In a way we have a third place here that is tied to a physical location again. The student is approaching this topic from a background in rhetorical criticism. 
Does anyone have suggestions for theories and places to look for them? As-complete-as-possible references would be very much appreciated. Please send to me directly. I will compile and send both to the list and to the student.
Thanks,
Ulla
 
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Ulla Bunz
Assistant Professor
Department of Communication
University Center C, Suite 3100
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306
Email: ubunz at fsu.edu
Phone: 850-644-1809
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