Semantic networks and social networks
Stephen Downes · The Learning Organization · 2005
Purpose To illustrate the need for social network metadata within semantic metadata. Design/methodology/approach Surveys properties of social networks and the semantic web, suggests that social network analysis applies to semantic content, argues that semantic content is more searchable if social network metadata is merged with semantic web metadata. Findings The use of social network metadata will alter semantical searches from being random with respect to source to direct with respect to source, which will increase the accuracy of search results. Research limitations/implications Suggests that existing XML schemas for semantic web content be modified. Practical implications Introduction and overview of a new issue. Originality/value Foundational to the concept of the semantic social network; will be useful as an introduction to future work.