Contact Group

Wellman argues in "Computer Networks as Social Networks" that because computers and computer use has move from solitary units and people to networks that first support groups (groupware) but eventually support social networks.

Wellman cites a few studies that show increased social networking online correlates with increased social networking in "real life" but that this leads to larger and larger groups of possible contacts. Wellman says that this creates issues with seeking knowledge because you quickyl become unable to "walk the hallways" and meet your social group.

Further, as the social networks are leveled and connection to anyone is your social network is made equally easy, how do you give precedence to contacts who, it the real world are, would deserve more attention?

This has been a major problem in my life lately. Sometimes I find it totally impossible to get work done give the barrage of emails, IMs, phone calls, and people stopping by. Just on the facebook, I'm connected to 7561. If I included all the people I've worked with at my job (where I employed 80 students each summer) and their connections, I would probably top out around 12,000 or so.

(BTW - head to facebook and add me as a friend!)