Title: Start
Slug: start

# Bots as Digital Infrapunctures

Welcome to the online module *Bots as Digital Infrapunctures*. :-)

Inspired by the potential of "digital infrapuncture", a term coined by researcher Deb Verhoeven, this module brings bots and infrastructure together as *infrapunctures*. "Infrapuncture" is a portmanteau word which conflates "infrastructure" and "acupuncture", referring to small-scale interventions that have a catalytic effect on the whole. This module explores what role bots can have as infrastructural "stress relievers".

The module contains a set of exercises, short programming logic introductions and video recordings of invited speakers. You will encounter examples of bots, bot makers and theoretical reflections. 

# Goals

By the end of this course you will have analyzed the norms and values embedded in a specific digital environment where group formation and group communication happens (e.g. micro-blogging platforms, groupchats, discussion forums, mailinglists, etc). 

Through readings, introductions and exercises, you will have reflected on how infrastructural agency, impact or power is shaped and structured. You will have identified moments of tension and friction within digital infrastructures and considered how a bot could intervene to release stress.

You can go through this module at your own speed. No subscription is required, you can simply start by clicking on the "next" button and follow the instructions. 

You will need approximately 4 hours to go through this whole module.

# About this module 

This module is written by Cristina Cochior and Manetta Berends who are both part of [Varia](https://varia.zone/en/), a member-based organisation in the South of Rotterdam that works on/with everyday technology. 

The module is developed in the context of the *Tool Criticism* course at the [University of Utrecht](https://datafiedsociety.nl/research/) in collaboration with [Creative Coding Utrecht](https://creativecodingutrecht.nl/). 

The work is funded by the University of Utrecht and published in November 2020.