The dynamics of a virtual community during a natural disaster: a network analysis

Abstract

Online discussion forums are computer-mediated social networks where individuals self-organise to help each other and share knowledge, advice, and perspectives about their common interests. The present study empirically examines the dynamics and changes to the properties and structure of an electronic network based on an online forum during a massive earthquake. This study found that the open, fluid electronic network allowed members easily to join and participate in the forum communication. The communication links and the numbers of initiators and repliers increased during the earthquake. We also found that network density and reciprocity decreased along with the network growth, while the average shortest path length increased. This research provides a framework to study dynamics and changes of electronic networks.