Visualization of a Hypertextual Interaction Field in Network Form Using Computational Processes. Case Study: Freight Train Graffiti in North America

Master's Thesis in Communication Studies at Universidad de Guadalajara. This pioneering study explored the subcultural phenomenon of freight train graffiti and the structuring of a hidden transnational community of practice along North American railway tracks.

Methodologically, field and digital ethnography were combined with automated Instagram hashtag data mining through the development of the idmb bot. Hypertextual interaction metadata was modeled in complex network graphs using ForceAtlas layouts with SigmaJS and Graphology to analyze style propagation and recognition flows. Additionally, a CNN classifier (ResNet) was trained to recognize graffiti styles (monikers, tags, throw-ups). The conceptual framework integrated Jenkins' participatory culture and Thompson's social mediation theories.