Description: Folksonomy is a classification system that arises from the collaborative practice of tagging online content. Unlike traditional classification systems, which are generally imposed by experts or institutions, folksonomy allows users to freely create and manage tags in a democratic manner. This participatory approach not only facilitates the organization of information but also reflects the diversity of perspectives and experiences of users. Tags are used to annotate content such as images, videos, articles, and more, allowing for a more intuitive and personalized search. Folksonomy is based on the idea that users are the best judges of how content should be classified, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. This system has gained relevance in the digital age, where the amount of available information is overwhelming and the need for effective tools for its organization is crucial. Folksonomy not only improves the accessibility of information but also promotes active user participation in the creation of collective knowledge.
History: The term ‘folksonomy’ was coined in 2004 by designer and web developer Thomas Vander Wal. Its origin lies in the combination of the words ‘folk’ (people) and ‘taxonomy’ (classification), thus reflecting the idea that information classification can be performed by anyone, not just experts. As social networking platforms and collaborative content sites began to gain popularity, folksonomy became an essential tool for organizing and retrieving information online. Since then, it has evolved and been integrated into various applications and web services, becoming a key component of Web 2.0.
Uses: Folksonomy is primarily used in collaborative platforms and social networks to facilitate the organization and search for content. It allows users to tag photos, videos, articles, and other types of content, improving accessibility and information retrieval. Additionally, it is applied in content management systems, digital libraries, and online learning platforms, where collaborative classification can enrich the user experience and encourage active participation.
Examples: Examples of folksonomy include platforms like Flickr, where users tag images with keywords, and Delicious, which allows users to save and tag web links. It can also be observed in social networks like Twitter, where hashtags function as tags that group conversations about specific topics. These applications demonstrate how folksonomy facilitates content organization and enhances user interaction.
