Discovery of the Essential Components and Sub-components of Cyberspace

Introduction: Diverse and fragmented definitions of cyberspace reflect its multi-dimensional complexity, often leading to isolated and incomplete policy-making. Given its pervasive influence on all aspects of human life, identifying its essential components is crucial for establishing sound governance.
Objective: The primary objective of this research is to precisely understand and discover the inherent components and sub-components of cyberspace to provide a solid foundation for policy-making and management.
Methodology: This study utilizes a qualitative approach, specifically qualitative content analysis of definitions and technological structures. Elements were extracted using open, axial, and thematic coding, and the final model was validated by experts.
Findings: The findings reveal that cyberspace consists of three main components: the "Body" (encompassing communication, computing, and content), "Relations" (including interactions, lifestyle, and identity), and "Governance" (comprising standardization, normalization, and direction/control).
Conclusion: The technological "Body" serves as a constitutive element that facilitates social relations and new ways of living. The "Governance" component provides a framework for directing and engineering this space, offering a key tool for policy-makers to address modern challenges.