IBM Watson Research Center

Technical Report: The Dynamics of Social Interaction in a Geography-based Online Community The Dynamics of Social Interaction in a Geography-based Online Community Technical Report #: 01-06 Author(s): David R. Millen, John F. Patterson, Cory Costanzo Category(s): collaboration, community networks, interactivity, online community, social capital Abstract A Collaborative User Experience Technical Report: more about CUE... A study of a geography-based online community was undertaken, in part, to understand the factors that promote social interaction within the community. 120 participants in the online community completed a survey that investigated technology attitudes and use, general allocation of time, and civic engagement and attitudes about the physical community. Results of the survey showed that experience with interactive communications applications, a high degree of non-work time spent socializing and on the internet, and a lower-than-average level of trust and shared community values were related to early online community participation. These results suggest several possible strategies for building or facilitating online community development. Full Report For more information, or to order a Technical Report, contact us.