Are Your Top Social Annotation Friends Also Your Offline Group Members?

Abstract

Previous research has highlighted homophily (i.e., the tendency to interact with similar others) in online social networks, but its presence in social annotation activities, particularly influenced by group affiliations, remains underexplored. The current research addresses this gap by analyzing the online interactions of 93 undergraduates in a learning media course on Perusall. Findings reveal students' preference for interactions within the same offline groups during social annotations, contributing to a deeper understanding of homophily in hybrid settings. These insights are vital for enhancing student engagement in hybrid learning environments and promoting more effective interactions.