Some of you may be familiar with DARPA, the Department of Defense advanced technology research organization. You might be interested to see that a current solicitation posted on the DARPA website includes examples of dynamic social networks that occur online, including networks of geocachers.
"Mobile Computing Applications to Support Local Optimization: The traditional military approach of top-down organization/optimization of resources is not feasible in these environments; however, there are often large numbers of people and organizations who are ready, willing, and able to assist. Recent web-based examples have demonstrated that people can dynamically network to achieve common goals such as conducting commerce via online auctions (e.g., eBay ) and markets (e.g., Craigslist ), developing new social networks (online dating services, social networking sites), and planning and carrying out volunteer, ad hoc activities (e.g., GeoMissions via Geocaching ). An analogous set of tools and capabilities could be developed to support SSTR/HADR operations, allowing both formal organizations and individuals to locally match their resources and needs. Specifically, teams wrestling with understanding, framing, and solving problems could find the expertise, knowledge, and team mates they need. Individuals and organizations would be able to access these tools a la a web-based, text messaging, or similar interface using their own devices (from cell phones to desk top computers), register capabilities/needs, and be matched to the appropriate activities. Participants could also provide information back to the system in the form of local reports. Technology to support this includes Web 2.0, mobile computing, lightweight frameworks to support information exchange (see Semantic Glue above), among others."
