In
Internet culture, a
lurker is typically a member of an
online community or
PLN who observes, but does not actively participate. The exact definition depends on context. Lurkers make up a large proportion of all users in online communities. Lurking allows users to learn the conventions of an online community before they actively participate, improving their
socialization when they eventually de-lurk. However, a lack of social contact while lurking sometimes causes
loneliness or
apathy among lurkers.