Abstract

Emerging from an analysis what Wittel (2001) has termed networked sociality, this paper explores a number of ways online social networking platforms can be utilised by academics, and suggests the key features of these digital technologies must be seen as important educational, sociological and informational tools. Close consideration is given to 'social bookmarking' services, presenting a detailed analysis of Delicious.com. Since the dematerialised nature of digital networks collapses traditional notions of space and time, the current technological environment presents a multitude of potential methods for disseminating ideas amongst vast communities of researchers, who together can contribute and create new ways of thinking, teaching and learning.