Abstract

This article examines the theoretical conditions of studying media considered as a specific type of phenomenon, a 'medium phenomenon', to use a philosophical term. The purpose of this study is to examine and evaluate the interpretations of the medium phenomenon in the context of object-oriented ontology, with the authors drawing on the latest philosophical theories and explaining other scholars' reasons for investigating media in particular ways. As part of this inquiry, the authors aim at clarifying the content of the medium phenomenon whilst explaining the reasons for investigating the medium from specific positions in the context of the latest philosophical theories. The authors conclude their inquiry by offering the examination and evaluation of the potential of object-oriented ontologies aimed at characterizing the medium as a type of social object. As the medium's distinctive features are revealed, the authors suggest that interrogating it further is important for improving our understanding of social processes and creating new strategies and technologies of media usage.