Using a Social Informatics Framework to Study the Effects of Location-Based Social Networking on Relationships between People: A Review of Literature

Sarah Jean Fusco, University of Wollongong
K. Michael, University of Wollongong
M.G. Michael, University of Wollongong

Abstract

This paper is predominantly a review of literature on the emerging mobile application area known as location-based social networking. The study applies the social informatics framework to the exploratory question of what effect location based social networking may have on relationships between people. The classification model used in the paper relates previous research on location based services and online social networking together. Specifically the wider study is concerned with literature which identifies the impact of technology on trust with respect to friendship. This paper attempts to draw out the motivations behind using location based social networking applications and the implications this may have on individual privacy and more broadly one’s social life. It relies heavily on the domain of social informatics with a view to setting a theoretical underpinning to the shaping between context and information and communication technology design.