When Location Does Not Matter: Membership and Networking in Online Communities of Software Developers

Abstract

Following the discussion on the role of Internet in the formation of ties across space, this paper seeks to supplement recent findings on location-dependent preferential attachment online. For this purpose, instead of looking at egonetworks, we look at networks of online communities specifically aimed at development of location-independent ties. The paper focuses on professional communities of software developers. The data are obtained automatically from the VKontakte social networking site. Evidence suggests that membership, friendship, commenting and liking ties are overwhelmingly cross-city.

Keywords: Internet, SNS, professional communities, cross-distance ties, networks, SNA

JEL Classification: Z19