Challenges in the Analysis of Online Social Networks: A Data Collection Tool Perspective

摘要

The present era of internet has radically changed the way people communicate with each other. Online Social Network platforms have enhanced this to real-time communication where interactions vary from casual relationships to formal bonding. This real-time communication between the users over Online Social Network platforms generates data which directly or indirectly gives lot of information. But extracting this data and mining information out of it is a profound challenge. Researchers need appropriate tools to churn out this data and get valuable information by analyzing and visualizing it. This paper does a comprehensive survey of types of Online Social Network Analysis resulting in segregation of research challenges associated with each of the types. A detailed study of the existing data collection tools and analysis techniques was further carried out to understand the challenges a researcher faces while using it. Finally, mapping analysis was done using research challenges, data collection tools and the types of Online Social Network Analysis, to understand to what extent the existing data collection tools and analysis techniques can meet the research challenges. The mapping analysis shows an absolute requirement of new data collection tools and algorithms by the researchers/developers.