Investigating Social Expertise in Online Affinity Spaces

• In Event: Literacy, Expertise, and Experience in Gaming

Abstract

In this paper, we describe a case study in which forms of social expertise are documented and understood as shaping the interest-driven (Ito, et al, 2009) activities that pervade online “affinity spaces” (Gee, 2004). Recognition systems (e.g., digital “badges”; see Halavais, 2012 or Hickey, 2013) are investigated for their potential role in shaping the display of learning practices that occur within the informal learning contexts of Reddit, a premier link aggregation and discussion site. Results indicate that simple, formal recognition systems have limited utility in measuring and conveying expertise, as compared to the informal yet complex sociocultural means found through discussion.

Author

• Sean C. Duncan, Indiana University