Reconsidering a multivalent concept: An integrated affordance framework to approach technology and social media use

The affordance concept has been widely used in communication studies to theorize and examine social media use beyond specific features practices. However, its implementation is characterized by an inconsistent of terms a neglect the concept’s relationality. present article demonstrates addresses these shortcomings. First, it briefly reviews perspective’s origins further development literature. Second, outlines diverse but application research. Third, introduces integrated framework that contributes better understanding affordances supports more precise underlying concepts a) emphasizes relational nature as opportunities for action occur various technological contexts are contingent on designed cognitive mechanisms, b) highlights abstract individual, relational, collective distinct from outcomes such practices structures, c) encompasses effects dynamics impact both technology actors. Drawing framework, concludes with conceptional, empirical terminological implications future research approaching perspective.