Excerpt:
The annual scientific conference on Information Technology Management. During the conference, in the “Netnography” session, LABCOM scholars presented the research “Netnography to uncover the new aesthetic of the zoomie” Beccanulli, A.A., Biraghi, S., Gambetti, R.C.

57th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS), Honolulu, 3-6 January 2024: A Platform for Cutting-Edge Research in Information Technology Management

The 57th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS) is set to take place in Honolulu from January 3-6, 2024. This prestigious annual event brings together scholars, practitioners, and researchers from around the globe to discuss and explore the latest advancements in the field of Information Technology (IT) Management. With a focus on the dynamic interplay between technology and its societal impacts, HICSS serves as a hub for interdisciplinary exchange, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government.

An Overview of HICSS 2024

HICSS has earned a reputation as one of the most significant conferences for exploring the evolving role of IT in the contemporary world. The conference spans multiple tracks, covering topics like cyber security, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and IT management. It offers a platform for presenting innovative research, sharing industry insights, and discussing emerging trends that are shaping the future of technology in various domains.

The “Netnography” Session: Exploring New Frontiers in Digital Culture

One of the most anticipated sessions at HICSS 2024 is the “Netnography” session. Netnography, a research methodology rooted in ethnography, is used to explore online communities and cultures, providing valuable insights into digital behaviors and interactions. This year, the session will feature a thought-provoking presentation titled “Netnography to Uncover the New Aesthetic of the Zoomie” by renowned scholars Beccanulli, A.A., Biraghi, S., and Gambetti, R.C.

The study presented in this session delves into the emerging aesthetic associated with a group of individuals known as “zoomies” — a term that refers to people who engage in high-frequency, video-based communication, particularly through platforms like Zoom. As video conferencing has become ubiquitous, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the nuances of this digital culture and its impact on personal and professional interactions is crucial. The researchers use netnography to examine how these “zoomies” express themselves visually, socially, and emotionally in virtual environments, offering new insights into online identity construction and the evolving nature of digital interaction.

The Research Focus: Uncovering the New Aesthetic of the Zoomie

The term “zoomie” has emerged as a cultural marker in the context of the global shift toward remote work and virtual meetings. The study by Beccanulli, Biraghi, and Gambetti is an exploration of the aesthetics that characterize the visual and behavioral patterns of this new digital group. Through netnography, the researchers analyze the specific ways in which individuals present themselves in virtual spaces, including camera angles, background settings, wardrobe choices, and facial expressions.

By examining these interactions, the researchers aim to uncover how the “zoomie” aesthetic is not just a casual byproduct of digital communication, but a carefully crafted expression of identity and presence in virtual environments. The study also touches on the broader implications of this aesthetic, such as how it influences perceptions of professionalism, social interaction, and cultural norms within the digital landscape.

Significance of the Study and Implications for IT Management

The findings of this research have significant implications for IT management, particularly in the realms of digital communication, user experience design, and the evolving nature of online communities. As businesses, educational institutions, and individuals increasingly rely on video conferencing as their primary mode of communication, understanding the “zoomie” aesthetic could lead to better design of digital platforms that accommodate diverse user needs and preferences.

Furthermore, the research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the intersection of technology and culture, providing a nuanced understanding of how digital technologies shape personal and professional identities. This knowledge can inform the development of more inclusive, engaging, and user-friendly virtual environments that foster collaboration and connection in an increasingly digital world.

Conclusion

The 57th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences is poised to offer a rich array of cutting-edge research, including innovative studies like the one on the “zoomie” aesthetic. The Netnography session promises to be a highlight, offering valuable insights into how digital cultures and virtual environments continue to evolve. As scholars like Beccanulli, Biraghi, and Gambetti delve into the aesthetics of the zoomie, they illuminate a critical aspect of contemporary IT management: the intersection of technology, culture, and identity in our increasingly connected world.