Grupy, sieci, roje
Groups, Networks, Swarms

Summary/Abstract: The Author proposes to use the metaphor of a swarm as a tool for analysis in sociological studies of the Internet. The concept of a group is undergoing a crisis, which forces sociology of modern and postmodern societies to talk rather about networks, relations and postmodern communities. To describe a swarm the Author first considers the notion of a network. He assumes that a network does not necessarily have to be perceived as a form of organization of human behaviour, but can be described as a specific environment for activity. The structure of such a network is fluid, and presupposes a number of dynamically related connections and intersections. It is also decentralized and easily adaptable to new conditions, facilitating the formation of temporary, short term-systems. The Author goes on to analyze examples of network structures which emerge during Internet communication, such as communicators, discussion groups, Usenet, Wiki sites, blogs, community networks, and games of MMORPG type.

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