Question

Actor-Network Theory
Smart phones are an information technology fully integrated into the fabric of our everyday lives, but in many ways, they are a "black box" - we assume they'll work while ignoring what goes on internally to make them work. ANT suggests that technologies like smart phones are not merely devices but are "actor networks," complex sets of associations between human and non-human entities, which often become visible only when things break down.

Give an example of your phone breaking down or not working properly in some way that you normally expect. Identify the elements of the actor-network - the associated human and/or nonhuman actors or entities - that are revealed in the breakdown.

Answer 1

Solution for the problem is provided below, please comment if any doubts:

The actor networks are networks that consider all the parts associated with the system as equal valued entities. Whether it is human, technological part, or an instrument, will not make any difference. Thus all the factors that exists any effect on the system will be a part of the actor network.

Here the system is a broken/not working mobile:

The associated human actors are:

• You
• The service Agent
• The_Mobile_Technician

Non-human actors:

• Mobile
• Spare Parts
• Power
• Battery
• Tools
• Workmanship