Challenges of Tracking Topical Discussion Networks Online
Journal
Social Science Computer Review
ISSN
0894-4393
ISSN-Digital
1552-8286
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2011-08
Author(s)
Highfield, Timothy J.
;
Kirchhoff, Lars
;
Nicolai, Thomas
Abstract
Attempts to map online networks, representing relationships between people and sites, have covered sites including Facebook, Twitter, and blogs. However, the predominant approach of static network visualization, treating months of data as a single case rather than depicting changes over time or between topics, remains a flawed process. As different events and themes provoke varying interactions and conversations, it is proposed that case-by-case analysis would aid studies of online social networks by further examining the dynamics of links and information flows. This study uses hyperlink analysis of a population of French political blogs to compare connections between sites from January to August 2009. Themes discussed in this period were identified for subsequent analysis of topic-oriented networks. By comparing static blogrolls with topical citations within posts, this research addresses challenges and methods in mapping online networks, providing new information on temporal aspects of linking behaviors and information flows within these systems.
Funding(s)
Language
English
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Publisher place
Thousand Oaks, CA
Volume
29
Number
3
Start page
340
End page
353
Pages
14
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
59451