Leiden University Student Repository

Spaans, Didi (2024)

Unraveling the Urban Metaphor in the Virtual Realm: de Digitale Stad/the Digital City as an Experimental Playground for the Early Web

Research master thesis | Literary Studies (research) (MA)

This study examines de Digitale Stad, or the Digital City, a pioneering virtual community in the Netherlands (1994-2001), as a metaphorical urban space. Drawing from urban theory, play theory and media theory, this thesis analyzes how users navigated and positioned themselves in the virtual realm. By focusing on DDS and the early Web, it sheds light on the Digital City's significance as an experimental space reflecting and influencing the evolving Dutch internet landscape.

digital culture, digitale stad, internet, metaforen, play, urban theory

Author

Spaans, Didi

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Digital culture

Supervisors

Sybille Lammes

ECTS Credits

25

Language

en