and Enhancing Online Communication Networks

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) opens up new possibilities in the maintenance of social networks. Examples include the ability to visualize networks in real time, monitor the flow of resources, and facilitate network maintenance. This paper discusses the design of an electronic mail system, DriftCatcher, which facilitates users awareness of their electronic social networks. This system models what different relationships and socioemotional qualities look like in terms of email characteristics. Built through statistical analysis of a hand labeled email corpus, this model enables the system to characterize and display new email in network terms. Some examples include: tie strength, symmetry, foci of activity, and kinds of social support. Visualizing various network features will help the user become aware of their network and add a social context to online communication that is not present in current email applications