A Theoretical Framework for Information Search using Online Social Networks

A significant part of human activity today consists of searching for pieces of information online, an endeavor that may be time-consuming if the individual searching for the information is unfamiliar with the subject matter. However, online social networks exist where experts can aid individuals by answering questions posed by these users. This paper describes a theoretical framework to model the dynamic process by which requests for information arrive in a social network of experts, who then answer the requests after a random time interval. Results on the requests-handling capacity of the network are provided.