What is social computing?
Social computing is the use of digital platforms and computational systems to enable social interaction, collaboration, and user-generated content online. It examines how human behavior intersects with technology to create connected communities, shared knowledge, and interactive communication across the internet.
Social computing includes technologies such as social networking platforms, blogs, wikis, email, online forums, and content-sharing websites. These systems allow individuals and organizations to create, distribute, and engage with digital content in real time.
TL;DR: Social computing definition explained
Social computing enables digital collaboration, community building, and real-time interaction across online platforms. It has evolved from early email systems to modern social networks and open source communities. For businesses, it improves communication, employee engagement, customer relationships, and brand visibility, while also raising considerations around privacy, cybersecurity, and misinformation.
What is the history of social computing?
The concepts of social computing date back to the mid-19th century, following the invention of the computer. Email predates the Internet. The first message was sent from one computer to another on the US Department of Defense’s Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) in 1969. Ray Tomlinson then invented and developed electronic mail in 1971.
In the late 1990s, popular instant messaging applications were launched, including ICQ (1996), AOL Instant Messenger (1997), Yahoo! Messenger (1998), and MSN Messenger (1999). The rise of social media also began in the late 1990s with the inception of SixDegrees.com, one of the first social media sites. Myspace (2003), Facebook (2004), Twitter (2006), LinkedIn (2006), YouTube (2007), Tumblr (2007), Instagram (2010), Pinterest (2010), and Snapchat (2011) launched in the years that followed.
What are examples of social computing?
Examples of social computing include email, discussion forums, instant messaging applications, social networking platforms, content creation sites, content sharing platforms, and open source development communities. These technologies use software to enable online collaboration, user-generated content, and digital community engagement around shared interests.
Common examples include:
- Email: A foundational form of social computing that enables direct digital communication between individuals and organizations.
- Open discussion forums: Platforms where users create, share, and respond to discussion-based content, fostering community dialogue and knowledge exchange.
- Instant messaging applications: Real-time messaging tools that support one-on-one and group conversations across web and mobile devices.
- Social networking platforms: Websites and apps such as Facebook, LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram that allow users and businesses to connect, share updates, and build digital communities.
- Content creation sites: Platforms like Wikipedia and blogs that enable users to publish and collaboratively edit information for public audiences.
- Content sharing sites: Services such as YouTube that allow users to upload, distribute, and engage with multimedia content at scale.
- Open source development communities: Collaborative environments where developers publicly build, modify, and improve software projects.
What are the benefits of social computing for businesses?
Social computing helps businesses improve collaboration, accelerate communication, increase employee engagement, strengthen customer relationships, and boost brand visibility. By leveraging digital communities, social networks, and collaborative platforms, organizations can enhance internal workflows and external marketing strategies.
Key benefits include:
- Increased collaboration: Social computing tools such as wikis, discussion forums, and enterprise social networks enable employees to share ideas, contribute knowledge, and collaborate across teams in real time.
- Better communication: Digital platforms improve information flow within organizations by enabling faster knowledge sharing, reducing silos, and supporting transparent communication across departments.
- Higher employee engagement and retention: Online collaboration spaces allow employees to connect, provide feedback, and participate in conversations, strengthening workplace culture and improving retention rates.
- Stronger customer connections: Businesses use social networking platforms and online communities to engage prospects, respond to customer inquiries, and build long-term relationships.
- Enhanced brand recognition: Through social media platforms and content-sharing sites, companies can expand their digital presence, increase brand awareness, and manage their online reputation.
Frequently asked questions about social computing
Q1. What is socially responsible computing?
Socially responsible computing is the practice of designing and using technology in ways that prioritize ethical standards, user privacy, accessibility, and societal well-being. It focuses on minimizing harm, preventing algorithmic bias, protecting data security, and ensuring digital inclusion across diverse communities.
Q2. What is social informatics?
Social informatics is the study of how information technology affects social behavior, organizations, and public policy. It examines the relationship between digital systems and human interaction, analyzing issues such as online communities, data governance, workplace collaboration tools, and the societal impact of computing technologies.
Q3. Is ChatGPT an example of social computing?
Yes, ChatGPT can be considered an example of social computing because it facilitates human-computer interaction and digital communication. As an AI-powered conversational system, it enables collaboration, knowledge sharing, and real-time information exchange within online communities and enterprise environments.
Q4. What are some social issues in computing?
Common social issues in computing include data privacy concerns, cybersecurity risks, digital inequality, algorithmic bias, misinformation, and online harassment. These challenges highlight the ethical responsibilities of technology developers and organizations to promote transparency, fairness, and responsible digital governance.
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Alyssa Towns
Alyssa Towns works in communications and change management and is a freelance writer for G2. She mainly writes SaaS, productivity, and career-adjacent content. In her spare time, Alyssa is either enjoying a new restaurant with her husband, playing with her Bengal cats Yeti and Yowie, adventuring outdoors, or reading a book from her TBR list.
