Analysis of the Categorization of Twitter as a Hybrid Social and Information Network as a Tool for Politicians.

Abstract

Social media platforms today can be utilized for two main purposes, maintaining social connections and spreading information. Therefore, media platforms can be categorized as either social networks or information networks. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a social network is defined as “an online service or site through which people create and maintain interpersonal relationships,” implying that the main use of the service is for people to engage with friends, family, peers, and colleagues on a personal basis through written posts, pictures, or direct messages. According to Myers et al., an information network is defined as a “structure whose dominant interaction is the dissemination of information,” meaning that the primary use is either providing or gaining new information through written posts, pictures, and links to other sources (Myers et al., 2014).