This presentation considers the role of traditional social networks and the role of IAs in addressing the challenges that arise when designing and using online social networks.

The presentation discusses philosophical approaches to sharing the self, how this relates to offline social networks and human interactions in different contexts, and provides guidance on how online social networking tools can be designed to support these relationships.

It also covers ethical issues, including privacy, and how these can conflict with business needs. A range of examples illustrate the impact of these drivers and how design decisions can lead to the creation of anti-social networks.

Finally, it considers the design role which IAs play, and how recognising the impact of business needs, philosophy and ethics can help deliver better social networks. It also considers how the IA community generally could influence and improve social network design.

The presentation is aimed at IAs who are designing, building or using social networks, who also recognise that their design choices, philosophy and ethical background have a fundamental impact on user experience.

Participants will learn about different approaches to social network design, and how online social networks relate to traditional ways of viewing human interactions. They will also gain some practical advice on the different issues which should be considered when designing and using social networks.