Abstract
This paper describes how social networks are constructed theoretically. The mechanisms involved are system theory and network theory. Network theory is used to describe the dynamics of social networks. It also describes some of the features of Facebook (community), Twitter (small messages), Youtube (video service) and Flickr (sharing pictures).
The paper describes how the U.S. Defense is using these medias, and how the Danish defense is almost absent on the same medias. The conclusion of this thesis, is that the one major reason for the U.S. government presence on social media, is caused by memorandum by President Barack Obama. But the difference is also caused by differences in the perception of social media, by the management of the defense in the USA and in Denmark, where the American Joint chief of Staff is very keen on using the social media. The former Danish chief of defense was very reluctant about using the social media.
This paper does not tell which approach is right or wrong, but tries to shed some light on the differences.