Empirical Analysis of Wikipedia Contributors: Understanding Human Dynamics in Online Collaboration

Abstract

This research conducts an empirical analysis of Wikipedia contributors to uncover the underlying human dynamics shaping online collaboration within the Wikipedia community. Leveraging large-scale datasets of editing activities and user interactions, we examine patterns of participation, contribution behavior, and social dynamics among Wikipedia editors. Through quantitative methods such as network analysis, time series analysis, and statistical modeling, we explore factors influencing editor engagement, retention, and productivity. Additionally, we investigate the impact of social networks, community norms, and platform design on shaping collaborative behavior and knowledge production within Wikipedia. Insights gleaned from this study contribute to a deeper understanding of online collaboration dynamics, offering implications for fostering inclusive and sustainable communities in digital knowledge-sharing platforms.