The document discusses the need for semantics and interoperability in social networks on the internet. It argues that current social networks are disconnected and do not allow users to fully access available content and connect with people online. Semantic web technologies like FOAF can help address this by allowing distributed social networks that interconnect both content and people in a meaningful way through reusable user profiles and common semantics. This will help users manage their multiple identities across different social sites and provide a richer online social experience.

1. The Future of Social Networks on the Internet: The Need for Semantics John Breslin, Stefan Decker [email_address] http://sw.deri.org/~jbreslin/ BarCamp Galway 22 nd September 2007

7. Many social networking services are boring… * Source: Jyri Engestrom, “Object-Centered Sociality”, Reboot 7

16. Integrating social networks with FOAF Common formats, unique URIs * Source: Sheila Kinsella, Applications of Social Network Analysis 2007

18. Disconnected social media sites can connect using Semantic Web technology