Models of participation in social networks

The most important technological trend of the last years has been the rise of socialnetworking systems to social phenomena involving hundreds of millions of people,attracting users from several social groups. Social networking systems blur thedistinction between the private and working spheres, and users use such systemsboth at home and in the workplace, both professionally and with recreational goals.Social networking systems can be equally used to organize a work meeting, a dinnerwith colleagues or a birthday party with friends. For example, the chat systems thatare embedded in social networking platforms are often the most practical way tocontact a colleague to ask an urgent question, especially in technologically orientedcompanies. Moreover, several traditional information systems have been modified inorder to include social aspects. Currently, social networking platforms are mostlyused without corporate blessing, maintaining their status as feral systems.