Social Computing, Behavioral Modeling, and Prediction

Social computing concerns the study of social behavior and context based on computational systems. Behavioral modeling reproduces the social behavior, and allows for experimenting with and deep understanding of behavior, patterns, and potential outcomes. The pervasive use of computer and Internet technologies provides an unprecedented environment where people can share opinions and experiences, offer suggestions and advice, debate, and even conduct experiments. Social computing facilitates behavioral modeling in model building, analysis, pattern mining, anticipation, and prediction. The proceedings from this interdisciplinary workshop provide a platform for researchers, practitioners, and graduate students from sociology, behavioral and computer science, psychology, cultural study, information systems, and operations research to share results and develop new concepts and methodologies aimed at advancing and deepening our understanding of social and behavioral computing to aid critical decision making.Social computing concerns the study of social behavior and context based on computational systems. Behavioral modeling reproduces the social behavior, and allows for experimenting, scenario planning, and deep understanding of behavior, patterns, and potential outcomes. The pervasive use of computer and Internet technologies creates an unprecedented environment where people can share opinions and experiences, exchange ideas, offer suggestions and advice, debate and even conduct experiments. Social computing facilitates behavioral modeling in model building, analysis, pattern mining, anticipation, and prediction. This unique volume presents material from the first interdisciplinary workshop focused on employing social computing for behavioral modeling and prediction. The book provides a platform for disseminating results and developing new concepts and methodologies aimed at advancing and deepening our understanding of social and behavioral computing to aid critical decision making. The contributions incorporate views from government, industry and academia and they address research problems arising from pressing demands in the real world. Researchers, practitioners and graduate students from sociology, behavioral and computer science, psychology, cultural study, information systems, and operations research are certain to find this a fascinating and essential resource.