Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Department of Information Science, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction
Self-organization refers to the ability of biological, natural, and social systems to change their own structures through their own interactions with the environment. It is one of the core principles of cybernetics and a fundamental concept in systems science. Although self-organization has its roots in biology and physics, it is one of the most significant concepts in sociology. Social systems, the Internet, and virtual social networks can also be considered self-organizing systems due to their characteristics as such. The aim of this study is to explain the principle of self-organization in social systems, particularly the Internet and virtual social networks.
Literature Review
Anderson (1998) introduced the Internet as a new type of self-organizing technological system based on recursive processes between clients and servers. He believed that these processes, over the long term, move toward identifiable attractors by creating order out of chaos. Fuchs (2005) describes self-organization in virtual environments as a dialectical process in which technological networks and social networks mutually reproduce each other in a self-referential loop. Accordingly, virtual networks are not static; rather, they evolve in tandem with the interests and needs of their members. Batty (2013), relying on complexity theory, views the big data generated from virtual social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter not merely as data, but as part of a virtual self-organizing system. These networks have high potential in this process by reflecting personal experiences and providing indicators such as trust and collective satisfaction. Recent studies have focused on the practical and psychological aspects of self-organization. Moradi Mokhles, Heydari, and Shahmoradi (2024) suggest that developing self-organizing capabilities in audiences is an effective strategy for reducing the negative effects of social networks. This process enables individuals to self-regulate their thoughts and actions to achieve specific goals and adapt flexibly to the real world. Consistent with this view,
Rebello and colleagues (2024), in their examination of self-regulation of internet behaviors on social media platforms, concluded that self-regulation is a dynamic and multifaceted process shaped by the interaction of individual and environmental factors.
Methodology
In this study, Persian sources were searched in Persian databases using relevant keywords (self-organization, social networks, control systems, cybernetics, etc.). Additionally, Latin sources were searched in reputable foreign databases using related keywords (self-organization, self-control, cybernetics, social media, etc.). Out of the retrieved sources, 59 were used for writing the present review article, of which only two are in Persian. The present research was conducted using a conceptual review method.
Results
The results of this study are presented in two sections: the characteristics of self-organizing systems and self-organization in virtual social networks. According to the findings, the general characteristics of self-organizing systems include: emergence (the absence of an external guiding or controlling agent), self-configuration (the spontaneous ordering of system components), dynamic performance, spontaneous order resulting from internal interactions, synergy, complexity, non-linearity, dissipativity (inequilibrium or entropy), chaos (disorder and fluctuation), selective variety, positive/negative feedback interplay, self-similarity, self-protection, redundancy, mutual understanding, modularity and clustering, separation and integration, self-reference, adaptability, interdependence, and interaction. The second part of the findings indicates that certain characteristics of the internet lead to it being considered a self-organizing system. These characteristics include: adaptability, emergence, dynamics and disequilibrium, clustering, modularity, synergy, self-reference, open system, complexity, self-regulation, and Positive/Negative feedback interplay.
Discussion
The Internet should not be viewed merely as a purely technological system; rather, it is a self-organizing socio-technological system. Ignoring users as the "human agent" and focusing solely on software actors such as spiders and servers treats the web as a purely technical and mechanical system. Critics argue that while fully technical systems are mechanical, self-organizing systems have a non-mechanical nature. Therefore, the central role of humans in this process is often overlooked. In other words, we can only speak of the self-organization of the web when we view it not as a purely technological system, but as a socio-technological system in which humans communicate through technology. The self-organization of the web is possible only through human activities. Furthermore, concepts such as social systems, virtual social networks, and media are based on self-organization theory.
Conclusion
Self-regulation, as one of the Internet's characteristics, is a dynamic and multifaceted process influenced by individual and environmental factors. One of the most effective strategies for reducing the negative effects of social networks is fostering self-organizing capabilities in their users. This process facilitates the self-regulation of thoughts and actions to achieve goals and enables flexible adaptation to the real world. It can be concluded that the Internet, as an open, complex, and dynamic system, is a self-organizing system that encompasses both technological structures and the communications of human actors. Additionally, the results indicate that the conscious use of self-organization strategies can lead to a reduction in the harms caused by social networks
Keywords
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