On the stupidity of mobs

Jon Dron

On the stupidity of mobs

Jon Dron

University of Brighton

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceeding with ISSN or ISBN › Conference contribution with ISSN or ISBN › peer-review

Abstract

This paper explores the implications of social navigation used to assist online learning communities. It presents an experiment in social navigation employing a treasure map, comparing the behavior of users provided with social navigation cues and the behavior of those with no such cues. The experiment suggests that social navigation may cause poor decision-making in its users in two distinct ways. Some users may follow the actions of others (even poor ones), while others may actively try to behave differently. Neither strategy is useful at all times. The paper goes on to discuss approaches to limiting the dangers of such systems.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	IADIS International Conference: Web Based Communities 2006
Publication status	Published - Feb 2006
Event	IADIS International Conference: Web Based Communities 2006 - San Sebastian, Spain Duration: 1 Feb 2006 → …

Conference

Conference	IADIS International Conference: Web Based Communities 2006
Period	1/02/06 → …

Keywords

Online learning, e-learning, social navigation

Cite this

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title = "On the stupidity of mobs",

abstract = "This paper explores the implications of social navigation used to assist online learning communities. It presents an experiment in social navigation employing a treasure map, comparing the behavior of users provided with social navigation cues and the behavior of those with no such cues. The experiment suggests that social navigation may cause poor decision-making in its users in two distinct ways. Some users may follow the actions of others (even poor ones), while others may actively try to behave differently. Neither strategy is useful at all times. The paper goes on to discuss approaches to limiting the dangers of such systems.",

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AB - This paper explores the implications of social navigation used to assist online learning communities. It presents an experiment in social navigation employing a treasure map, comparing the behavior of users provided with social navigation cues and the behavior of those with no such cues. The experiment suggests that social navigation may cause poor decision-making in its users in two distinct ways. Some users may follow the actions of others (even poor ones), while others may actively try to behave differently. Neither strategy is useful at all times. The paper goes on to discuss approaches to limiting the dangers of such systems.

KW - Online learning, e-learning, social navigation

M3 - Conference contribution with ISSN or ISBN

BT - IADIS International Conference: Web Based Communities 2006

T2 - IADIS International Conference: Web Based Communities 2006

Y2 - 1 February 2006

ER -

On the stupidity of mobs

Abstract

Conference

Keywords

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