This document discusses online communities and social networks. It defines online communities as groups of people who come together online for a specific purpose and are supported by internet access. Examples of online communities include social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Buzzfeed. It also discusses how social networks are structured, with nodes (people/organizations) connected by relationships, and how information and influences flow between nodes. Key characteristics of online communities include conversations between members, members' online presence, democratic control by members, standards of behavior, and varying levels of member participation. The document also covers how ideas and memes spread widely in communities through opinion leaders and networks of social ties.