This article advances the concept of context collapse by identifying two distinct forms: collusions, where users deliberately merge social contexts, and collisions, where distinct networks unintentionally overlap. Drawing from social psychology, affordance theory, and privacy frameworks, the authors show how digital platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn influence the permeability of social boundaries. They emphasize that while context blending can be strategic and beneficial—such as in resource-seeking or visibility—it can also lead to misinterpretation, surveillance, or reputational harm. The paper calls for more precise conceptual language to support empirical work and better understand the evolving challenges of identity management in networked publics.
Document source Taylor & Francis