The Matrix: Techno-human actors and special effects as a vehicle for IS research dissemination

A variety of theoretical foundations and methodologies populate the IS field of research. At odds, there is a general uniformity in the ways of presenting the outcome of research. As a result, traditional empirical research structures and wording may inadequately conveys research results to the relevant audience or undermine the potential impact of IS studies. To overcome such limitations, alternative genres of research are sought. In our paper, we posit that albeit narratives and ethnographies have been somewhat applied in IS, a promising genre is offered by modern cinematography, as popular movies and their screenplays can offer an understandable and yet explicative frame to discuss IS related issues and to develop a sort of situated knowledge and critical observation. We offer an example of this representation analysing the information infrastructures and sensemaking processes by means of the popular movie “The Matrix”.