Circadian patterns of Wikipedia editorial activity: a demographic analysis

PLoS One. 2012;7(1):e30091. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030091. Epub 2012 Jan 17.

Abstract

Wikipedia (WP) as a collaborative, dynamical system of humans is an appropriate subject of social studies. Each single action of the members of this society, i.e., editors, is well recorded and accessible. Using the cumulative data of 34 Wikipedias in different languages, we try to characterize and find the universalities and differences in temporal activity patterns of editors. Based on this data, we estimate the geographical distribution of editors for each WP in the globe. Furthermore we also clarify the differences among different groups of WPs, which originate in the variance of cultural and social features of the communities of editors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Communication Networks / statistics & numerical data
  • Computer Communication Networks / trends
  • Editorial Policies
  • Encyclopedias as Topic*
  • Humans
  • Information Dissemination / methods*
  • Information Services / trends
  • International Cooperation*
  • Internet*
  • Language
  • Time Factors