Abstract

The information society is driven by social networks. This networks will be used for cross media distribution of information and request for other resources in nearly every part of social life. Technological progress in information technologies, like web based services, helps to build long-distance, interpersonal networks. The present book deals with structures of these networks. A theoretical overview is followed by an analysis of empirical studies in context of individual, computer-mediated communication. The results of simulations from four stochastic models will be contrasted with previously reviewed empirical network studies. As a result, the analysis of the empirical networks confirms previous research findings. But in comparison, the values of simulated networks deviate significantly from ones of empirical studies. The reasons for the model’s failure is a fundamental misunderstanding of structural dynamics. Finally, approaches for a valid model will be discussed.