Lurking refers to observing or reading discussions in online forums or communities without actively contributing. The document discusses lurking from several perspectives: - Lurking is common, with estimates that 50% of online participation and 90% of social media users lurk. However, lurkers may not fully benefit from or participate in online discussions and course material. - Factors that influence lurking include individual characteristics, commitment levels, the learning environment, and situational reasons for participating. Common reasons for lurking include shyness, lack of confidence, and preference for passive learning styles. - While lurking has downsides like less learning and engagement, it also has benefits. Lurkers can learn from