ICT based networks and trust networks; what is the connection?

Growth of new data coming out of on tele- and computer based traffic offers new opportunities to conduct such studies, and to analyse structures of collaboration patterns in distributed groups. Yet, the emerging field of network studies calls for a closer understanding of the relationship between patterns of mediated interaction and other more subjective relations, like trust and friendship. I have argued that observable interaction may be seen as indicative representations of a close relation, but not as confirmation. In particular in work settings, a high interaction level should not be seen as confirmative for close relationship, since much interaction is related to formal tasks. If you are interested in this topic check out the article Collaboration Patterns in Distributed Work Groups: A Cognitive Network Approach in the last issue of Telektronikk. This volume includes a number of article about the interconnections between telecommunication and social networks by Geoffrey Canright, Kenth Engø-Monsen, Richard Ling, Sebastian Schnorff and others.